If you’re craving a vibrant, feel-good dinner that tastes like a vacation along the coast, this Mediterranean Chicken will become your new go-to recipe. Tender, juicy chicken cooks gently among an array of colorful bell peppers, punchy olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, all swirled together in a fragrant sauce you’ll be craving long after the last bite. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this dish packs big, fresh flavor and looks gorgeous on any dinner table. Mediterranean Chicken not only satisfies with its taste, but also brings the sunny flavors and healthy spirit of the Mediterranean right to your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on a medley of bold and colorful ingredients that each bring something special to the plate. Every item adds its own pop of flavor, tempting aroma, or vibrant hue, making Mediterranean Chicken a real feast for the senses.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The base of the dish—choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for leaner bites.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings color and a lovely sweet crunch to the mix.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds sunshine-bright color and balances out the sweetness.
- Red Onion: Rounds out the vegetable medley with savory and sweet notes.
- Diced Tomatoes: Forms the luscious sauce; draining slightly avoids a watery stew.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, these add unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Just a touch offers rich, concentrated tomato umami.
- Garlic: Infuses the entire dish with its irresistible aroma.
- Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb, it ties the whole flavor profile together.
- Dried Basil: Adds a peppery-sweet, slightly floral note.
- Paprika: For warm color and an extra flavor boost.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, but vital for bringing out every flavor.
- Chicken Broth or Dry White Wine: Keeps everything moist and elevates the sauce—choose broth for a milder flavor, or wine for depth.
- Olive Oil: The heart of all Mediterranean cooking, lending richness and a soft, glossy finish.
- Fresh Parsley: For a final pop of freshness and color, sprinkled on at the end.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (Optional): A creamy, salty finish that lifts the whole plate.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Slow Cooker
Start by arranging the chicken (thighs or breasts—both work beautifully) in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. The chicken is your canvas; as it cooks, it’ll soak up all the flavors layered on top.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Goodies
Scatter the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, drained diced tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic right on top of the chicken. This rainbow of vegetables not only looks stunning, but ensures every forkful is packed with Mediterranean goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, your choice of chicken broth or dry white wine, dried oregano, basil, paprika, and a good amount of salt and black pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture over everything in the slow cooker, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic—cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. The chicken will turn tender and juicy, and all the vegetables will become irresistibly soft and fragrant, creating the ultimate Mediterranean Chicken experience.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once everything is cooked to perfection, give it a gentle stir and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley and perhaps a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta for that swoon-worthy finish.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley wakes up all the flavors with a burst of green, and crumbled feta cheese (if you’re in the mood) adds a creamy, salty counterpoint that brings the Mediterranean Chicken to the next level.
Side Dishes
This gorgeous chicken begs for something to soak up all those fragrant juices. Serve it over fluffy couscous, steamy rice, or tender orzo for a full meal. For an ultra-Mediterranean plate, consider a simple Greek salad or lemony roasted potatoes alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try piling the Mediterranean Chicken into warm pita bread for a hearty, flavorful sandwich, or serve over a hearty grain bowl with quinoa and extra roasted veggies. Small ramekins of olives, toasted pine nuts, or even chopped artichoke hearts make this meal look as festive as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mediterranean Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits, making leftovers taste even better the next day—talk about a meal prep win!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Mediterranean Chicken for a future quick dinner. Cool it completely, then pack portions into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its sunny Mediterranean vibes for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. The slow cooker is also perfect for hands-off warming, or a quick zap in the microwave works for busy weeknights.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs will work well here. Thighs give you a bit more moisture and richness, while breasts bring a leaner bite. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts so they stay nice and juicy.
Is this Mediterranean Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the Mediterranean Chicken itself is naturally gluten-free. If you want to keep the entire meal gluten-free, simply serve it with rice or gluten-free grains like quinoa instead of orzo or couscous.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is super flexible. Try tossing in baby spinach or artichoke hearts during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra veggie power, or add some zucchini or eggplant if you’ve got them on hand.
What wine pairs with Mediterranean Chicken?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. If you prefer red, choose something light and fruit-forward like a Grenache or Pinot Noir.
How can I make this dish spicy?
If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a chopped hot pepper when adding the other veggies. The touch of spice adds a fun twist to the classic Mediterranean Chicken flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring the warmth and sun-drenched flavor of Mediterranean Chicken into your own kitchen. Every forkful feels like a happy escape, and this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends. Give it a try—your taste buds and your dinner guests will thank you!
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Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a delightful dish cooked in a slow cooker, bursting with flavors of olives, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hassle-free and tasty meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and top with sliced bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chicken broth or wine, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot, garnished with parsley and feta.
Notes
- Serve over couscous, rice, or orzo for a complete meal.
- Add spinach or artichoke hearts in the last 30 minutes for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
