If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and effortless comfort, the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish melds tender chicken with the vibrant tastes of sundried tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a joy to make and even more delightful to share, packing a punch of Mediterranean charm that warms the soul and satisfies hunger with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each brings something essential to the table—whether it’s the fragrant curry powder that adds warmth, the tangy artichokes providing texture, or the olives infusing that unmistakable briny depth. Together, they create a tapestry of color, flavor, and heartiness that’s impossible not to love.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein that soaks up all those rich Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 heaping tablespoon curry powder: A warm, slightly spicy blend that sets the flavor foundation.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Brings a subtle herby sweetness to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds earthy, fragrant notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, mostly drained and chopped: Provides acidity and a juicy base.
- 2 (14 oz) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained: Adds a unique, tender texture and subtle tang.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses savory goodness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when slow-cooked.
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: Bursts of salty richness that define the Mediterranean vibe.
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar: Balances flavors with a bright, sharp kick.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish): A fresh herbaceous finish to brighten every bite.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. This is your blank canvas where the magic will unfold—simple and straightforward so you can focus on the delicious flavors ahead.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix together the curry powder, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle about half of this fragrant seasoning blend over the chicken pieces. This step ensures those spices begin infusing the chicken early on, building layers of flavor from the inside out.
Step 3: Add the Mediterranean Ingredients
Pour the chopped, mostly drained tomatoes over the chicken, giving it a juicy and slightly tangy base. Add the quartered artichoke hearts, chopped onion, pitted kalamata olives, and chicken broth. Don’t forget to drizzle in that white wine vinegar—it’ll lend a bright acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully. Finally, sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over the top, making sure every component gets kissed by that lovely spice blend.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the Crock Pot and let the magic happen by cooking on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or set it on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. This slow, gentle cooking allows the chicken to become unbelievably tender while the flavors meld into a deliciously harmonious stew.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker juices so it can soak up all those Mediterranean flavors once more—trust me, this is where it becomes addictive.
Step 6: Final Touch
Before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This final herbaceous touch cuts through the rich flavors and adds a vibrant pop of freshness, making the dish feel sunny and complete.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or cilantro is a must-have garnish—not only does it add a lovely burst of color, but it also introduces a bright, fresh note that balances the slow-cooked richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This stew-like chicken pairs wonderfully with simple grains like couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. These sides soak up the flavorful sauce and make the whole meal more substantial without overpowering the main dish. Roasted vegetables or a crisp Mediterranean salad with cucumbers and tomatoes would also complement the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe stuffed inside warm pita pockets with a dollop of creamy tzatziki or Greek yogurt. Alternatively, layer it over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside crispy toasted bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The shredded chicken stays tender and juicy with this gentle reheating method.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just follow the same cooking times, and you’ll have incredibly flavorful, tender meat every time.
Is this recipe spicy?
The curry powder adds warmth but not overwhelming heat. If you prefer more spice, you can always toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of a kick.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer everything in a large pot on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld, stirring occasionally. Just keep an eye on the liquid so it doesn’t evaporate too much.
What if I don’t have white wine vinegar?
Feel free to substitute with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Both will add the brightness needed to balance the dish’s richness.
How do I keep the artichokes from getting mushy?
Using canned artichoke hearts and adding them at the start works well because slow cooking softens them just right. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can add half of the artichokes in the last hour of cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about coming home to the aroma of the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe simmering away, promising a meal full of vibrant taste and comforting textures. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without fuss, yet crave a healthy and satisfying flavor adventure. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this Mediterranean treasure in your recipe repertoire!
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Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful blend of curry, basil, thyme, and savory Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and tomatoes. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with rich, aromatic flavors, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal served over couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Vegetables and Liquids
- 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 slow cooker, making sure they are laid out evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the curry powder, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour the chopped tomatoes, drained artichoke hearts, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped kalamata olives, and white wine vinegar directly over the chicken and seasoning in the pot.
- Sprinkle Seasoning: Sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker to ensure full flavor throughout the dish.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or if pressed for time, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken breasts carefully, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces, then stir the chicken back into the slow cooker to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this flavorful Mediterranean chicken over couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cooked chicken to rest in the sauce for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones; just use three times the amount.
- If you prefer less acidity, reduce the white wine vinegar to 2 tablespoons.
- This dish can be made a day ahead; flavors intensify the next day.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
