If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while being effortlessly convenient, this Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken soaking up the rich, herby goodness of curry powder, basil, thyme, and savory vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and packed with the sunny, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for wholesome, fuss-free cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to create a balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes. These essentials come together to deliver vibrant textures and colors that make the dish as appealing to the eyes as to the taste buds.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that absorbs all the delicious flavors during slow cooking.
- 1 heaping tablespoon curry powder: Brings warm, complex spice that’s surprisingly well-suited to Mediterranean flavors.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Offers earthy depth and subtle minty undertones.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Key to enhancing all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and complements the herbs beautifully.
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, mostly drained and chopped: Provides juicy acidity and a rich base for the sauce.
- 2 (14 oz) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained: Brings a tender, slightly tangy vegetable element that’s classic Mediterranean.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory backdrop without being too salty.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Infuses sweetness and texture as it slowly cooks down.
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: Offers bursts of briny, rich flavor that lift the entire dish.
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic punch that balances richness perfectly.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish): A fresh herb finish that makes every bite lively and fragrant.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the slow cooker. This simple step sets the stage for the magic — slow cooking will transform these plain breasts into tender, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix together the curry powder, dried basil, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this fragrant seasoning blend over the chicken, gently coating each piece to make sure every bite will be infused with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients
Next, add the chopped tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped kalamata olives, and white wine vinegar into the Crock Pot. This combination creates a luscious, savory sauce that will surround the chicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Season Again
Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over the top of the ingredients. This layering technique ensures a wonderful balance of flavors with every spoonful.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking gently breaks down the chicken fibers and melds the herbs and spices into a beautifully unified Mediterranean flavor.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
When the cooking time finishes, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker so it soaks up all the tasty juices and sauce.
Step 7: Final Touch
Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top before serving. This addition brightens the whole dish with fresh, zesty notes that contrast the rich sauce.
Step 8: Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this delectable Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe over a bed of couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. Each option brings its own texture and nutritional goodness, making the dish even more satisfying.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are perfect garnishes to add a pop of color and freshness. If you want to go a bit further, add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean chicken pairs brilliantly with wholesome grains such as fluffy couscous or nutty quinoa. A simple Greek salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli and green beans will round out the meal with crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this chicken into hearty wraps by piling it onto warm pita bread with some fresh cucumber slices and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Alternatively, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner with a Mediterranean flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As the flavors deepen overnight, leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through to retain the delicious sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicier during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is curry powder typical in Mediterranean cooking?
While not traditional Mediterranean spice, curry powder adds a unique warmth and depth that complements the herbs and veggies perfectly in this recipe.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Nope! One of the best parts about this Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is that it skips that step without sacrificing flavor, making the process super easy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and freeze it before cooking?
It’s best to freeze after cooking to keep the texture and flavors optimal. However, you can prep and freeze the raw mix and thaw before slow cooking if needed.
What can I use instead of white wine vinegar?
Feel free to substitute with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which both provide that essential acidity to balance the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is a treasure trove of comforting flavors with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. It’s a wonderful way to bring some Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, especially on busy days when you need a reliable and tasty meal. Give it a try soon — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours (depending on heat setting)
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (HIGH) to 8 hours 5 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
This Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with aromatic curry powder, dried basil, thyme, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, and a splash of white wine vinegar. Garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, this recipe is perfect for a hearty and healthy meal served over couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 heaping tablespoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, mostly drained and chopped
- 2 (14 oz) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crock pot to form the base of the dish.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the curry powder, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Add Ingredients: Pour the chopped whole tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped kalamata olives, and white wine vinegar on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Sprinkle Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mixture over all the ingredients to ensure a well-rounded taste.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well so it absorbs the rich sauce and vegetables.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve your Mediterranean chicken hot over a bed of couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta to complete the meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, serve with gluten-free grains such as quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
- You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the curry powder to 1 teaspoon.
- For a more herbaceous flavor, substitute fresh herbs for the dried basil and thyme.
