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Delicious Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken flatlay with lemon

Zesty Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken

This Zesty Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and garlic in a savory tomato-broth sauce. Finish with fresh cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a delicious and easy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

  • skillet
  • crockpot
  • bowl

Ingredients
  

Protein Powerhouse

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Vibrant Veggies

  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 0.5 red onion
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

Aromatic Essentials

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tps dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary optional, for garnish
  • 1 bay leaf

Liquid Gold & Tangy Brightness

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz) can
  • 0.5 lemon (for juice and zest)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning to Taste

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Optional Additions

  • 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki sauce

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • If desired, sear chicken pieces in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned, then transfer to the crockpot.
  • Layer the chopped bell peppers, sliced red onion, and minced garlic over the chicken in the crockpot.
  • In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chicken broth, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  • Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, then tuck in the bay leaf.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
  • During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and pitted Kalamata olives; remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or remove, shred, and return to the sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary and lemon zest.

Notes

For extra flavor, don't skip searing the chicken before slow cooking. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous or a light salad.