Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
203 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Description
The recipe uses either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs browned briefly in a skillet, then transferred to a slow cooker with a mixture of chopped onions, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and capers. Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice are whisked together and poured over the ingredients. The chicken and vegetables are slow-cooked on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
The end result is a savory and fragrant chicken dish with a balanced profile of citrus acidity, herbaceous notes, and the distinctive salty tang from olives and capers. The texture is moist with tender pieces of chicken surrounded by a sauce enriched by the slow cooking of vegetables and seasonings.
This chicken pairs well with lemon rice or orzo and a side salad to complete a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil can be used for garnish to enhance the dish’s aroma and presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast OR 4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, medium-large, boneless, skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- lemon juice about 2 tablespoons, juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup kalamata olives
- 1 cup red pepper roasted, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers
- thyme or oregano or basil for garnish, fresh, optional
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes on each side til browned. Transfer to greased slow cooker.
- Add onions, olives, red peppers, and capers to slow cooker (tuck them around the sides so they aren't covering up the chicken). Whisk together italian seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic and pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Garnish with fresh thyme, oregano, or basil and serve.
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs; adjust cooking time slightly if using larger pieces.
- Browning the chicken before slow cooking helps develop flavor but is optional.
- Serve with lemon rice or orzo and a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Fresh herbs add a bright finish and can be used according to preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 203 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 203kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 1248mg | 52% |
| Potassium | 552mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 380IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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