Description
Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful and hearty slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with vibrant bell peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers a deliciously rich meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes and Olives
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Lightly brown the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes per side to enhance their flavor and seal in juices. Then transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: To the slow cooker, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced red onion, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Gently stir all the ingredients together to combine.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in capers and freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add fresh flavor. Top with crumbled feta cheese as a perfect finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean chicken warm, ideally over rice, couscous, or with warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb alternative, serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more flavor and tender texture.
- This dish freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep and easy future meals.
