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Tender Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Tender Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken for Busy Nights

This Tender Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken combines flavorful chicken thighs with olives and roasted peppers, making it a must-try for busy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • - Slow cooker
  • - Skillet
  • - Knife
  • - Cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds Chicken Thighs trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

For the Base

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil extra virgin recommended
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced

For the Flavor

  • 1 cup Kalamata Olives
  • 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers jarred
  • 2 tablespoons Capers
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Rosemary adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste

For Cooking Liquid

  • 1 cup Chicken Broth can substitute with vegetable broth
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf remove before serving

For Seasoning

  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 whole Lemon zest and wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

  • Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Dice the sweet onion, mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and slice the roasted peppers.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, browning them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
  • In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic, cooking briefly until it becomes fragrant.
  • Transfer the browned chicken into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions, garlic, roasted peppers, Kalamata olives, capers, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking; this helps maintain the cooking temperature.
  • Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in the lemon zest and squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright finish. Serve hot, alongside lemon wedges and crusty bread for an added touch.

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword comfort food, Easy Chicken Recipes, Healthy dinner, meal prep, Slow Cooker Recipes, Tender Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken