Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken with olives, tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of herbs. The slow cooking makes the chicken so juicy and soft, and the Mediterranean flavors give it a fresh, bright taste that feels like a little getaway on your plate.
I love how easy this meal is to throw together in the morning and come home to a wonderful dinner ready to go. The mix of olives and tomatoes adds just the right touch of tanginess and richness, and the garlic gives it a warm depth of flavor. I always find myself sneaking tastes while it cooks because it smells so good!
My favorite way to serve this dish is over a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a meal that feels special but doesn’t take much effort—perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting but light. Plus, leftovers taste great the next day, making it a winner in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they stay tender and cook evenly in the slow cooker. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a juicy, flavorful option.
Olives: Both green and black olives add great salty, briny notes. If you don’t have both, use whichever you like, or substitute with capers for a similar punch.
Diced tomatoes: Drained canned tomatoes help create a rich sauce without extra liquid. You can use fresh tomatoes in season, chopped finely.
Herbs & spices: Dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika bring out Mediterranean flavors. Fresh herbs can be used too but add them near the end to keep their brightness.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness, or water with a bouillon cube if that’s what you have on hand.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender and Flavorful in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are great for tenderness, but here’s what helps your chicken stay moist and tasty:
- Season well before cooking to give the chicken depth of flavor.
- Sear the chicken in a hot pan before slow cooking to lock in juices and add color—this step is optional but makes a big difference.
- Layer onions and garlic on the bottom so they release moisture and flavor that gently cooks the chicken.
- Don’t overcook—stick to the timing (5-6 hours on low is ideal). Overcooked chicken can dry out even in a slow cooker.
- Leave the lid closed as much as possible to keep heat and moisture trapped inside.
Following these tips, your chicken will come out tender, juicy, and full of the lovely Mediterranean flavors. Serve it with something soft that soaks up the sauce, like rice or couscous, for a perfect meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – this is key for cooking the chicken slowly and keeping it tender without much effort.
- Skillet or frying pan – great for quickly searing the chicken to add extra flavor before slow cooking.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the onion and bell pepper easier and safer.
- Cutting board – gives you a sturdy surface for prepping vegetables and chicken.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring ingredients gently in the slow cooker.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you like richer, more flavorful meat that stays extra juicy.
- Add feta cheese at the end for a creamy, salty touch that brightens the dish.
- Include artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for more Mediterranean flair and texture.
- Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat to complement the herbs.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup pitted green olives
- 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal that you can set and forget until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken (optional but recommended):
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This adds extra flavor but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
2. Layer Vegetables and Chicken in the Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top. Scatter the sliced red bell pepper, drained diced tomatoes, green olives, and black olives over the chicken.
3. Add Broth and Cook:
Pour the chicken broth evenly over all the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Finish and Serve:
Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm over couscous, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Skillet or frying pan (for searing chicken)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add crumbled feta cheese at the end for a creamy, salty touch.
- Include artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before cooking to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the dish a day ahead, then store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker set to low before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Should I Serve With Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread that soaks up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
