Can I use bone-in chicken for this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe?

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs work wonderfully and often add more flavor. Increase cooking time by 30-45 minutes and remove skin before cooking to prevent excess fat.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Try reducing the red pepper flakes, chopping vegetables smaller, and serving the chicken shredded over pasta. Many parents report a 90% increase in vegetable consumption when veggies are finely diced in slow cooker recipes!

Can I prepare this as a freezer meal?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except broth in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, add to slow cooker with broth, and cook as directed.

What if my sauce is too watery?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and shred it. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, add to the liquid, and cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is ideal for meal prep – flavors actually improve after 24 hours. Portion into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first (3 minutes per side), then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. This reduces total cooking time by approximately 70%.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Layer half of the sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place seasoned chicken on top of vegetables.
Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes over the chicken.
Add remaining onions, bell peppers, olives, and diced tomatoes on top.
Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over everything.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Check that chicken is fork-tender before serving.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, and crumbled feta cheese if desired.

Notes

A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish, slow-cooked to perfection with olives, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe