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Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken – Tender, Flavorful, and Effortless

This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken recipe is a flavorful, aromatic dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. With juicy chicken, briny olives, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant spices, it is a wholesome, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. Simply prepare the ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and by dinner time you will have a delicious dish ready to serve. Perfect for busy weekdays, special dinners, or make-ahead meal prep, this recipe delivers taste and convenience in every bite.

 

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken

The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits and fresh, bold flavors. This slow cooker chicken recipe embodies those qualities, combining lean protein with heart-healthy olive oil, antioxidant-rich tomatoes, and nutrient-dense olives. The spices—oregano, paprika, and garlic—infuse the chicken with warmth and depth, while the slow cooking process keeps the meat tender and juicy. The result is a restaurant-quality dish with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for anyone who wants great flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup green olives
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 – Prep the Slow Cooker

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. This forms a flavorful base that infuses the chicken as it cooks.

Step 2 – Season the Chicken

2. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange them on top of the onion and garlic layer.

Step 3 – Add the Flavors

3. Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and red wine vinegar over the chicken. Scatter both the green and Kalamata olives on top for a rich, briny flavor.

Step 4 – Cook Low and Slow

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 5 – Shred and Serve

5. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the flavorful cooking juices. Serve warm with rice, quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: ~6 hours 10 minutes
• Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook well in the slow cooker, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Green and Kalamata olives provide a balance of briny and fruity flavors—use one type if you prefer, or substitute with Castelvetrano olives for a milder taste. Smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smokiness, but regular paprika or sweet paprika works if that’s what you have. Red wine vinegar gives a tangy brightness to the dish; you can replace it with lemon juice for a fresher note.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

• For maximum flavor, sear the chicken in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Do not lift the lid during cooking; this can significantly lower the cooking temperature and increase the cooking time.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• Adjust seasoning at the end, as slow cooking can mellow flavors.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fluffy rice, herbed couscous, or quinoa make excellent bases that soak up the flavorful juices. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers complement the Mediterranean profile. A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese adds a refreshing contrast. For bread lovers, a slice of warm crusty bread or pita is perfect for dipping into the sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best parts of this slow cooker recipe is that it stores and reheats well. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and start cooking the next morning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker Mediterranean chicken is a dish that delivers on all fronts—flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The combination of tender chicken, savory olives, and rich tomato sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or impress guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy a gourmet-inspired dish with hardly any effort.

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