Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Introduction

Savory Mediterranean Chicken Stew with Olives and Tomatoes is a delightful slow cooker recipe that’s packed with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olives, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variation

1. Add Artichokes: Include 1 cup of marinated artichoke hearts, chopped, for an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor and a slightly tangy bite that complements the olives and tomatoes beautifully.
2. Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture. They are less likely to dry out during the long cooking process.
3. Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a deeper smoky flavor and a subtle kick of heat.

Cooking Notes

1. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
2. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Rice or Couscous: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Pair with Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich tomato and olive sauce, making it a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal.
3. Side of Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus for added texture, color, and nutrients.

Tips

1. Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic, and measure the spices the night before to streamline the morning preparation, especially on busy days.
2. Use High-Quality Olives: Opt for good-quality Kalamata olives for their authentic Mediterranean flavor. Avoid pre-sliced canned olives, which can lack depth and richness.
3. Make It a Freezer Meal: Assemble all ingredients in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for a quick and easy meal option. Simply thaw overnight and cook in the slow cooker as directed.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 45 g
• Sodium: 780 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
   Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes. Use about 4 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, chopped, and include their juices for similar results. However, canned tomatoes offer a consistent flavor and texture that works well in slow cooker recipes.
2. What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?
   If you don’t have Kalamata olives, green olives or black olives can be used as alternatives. However, Kalamata olives provide the best authentic Mediterranean flavor due to their rich and tangy profile.
3. Can this recipe be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot?
   Yes, for stovetop cooking, simmer the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat for 45 minutes to an hour. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before shredding the chicken.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Replace the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for more substance and flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a versatile and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, healthy meal with minimal effort. Its vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic spices transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Savory Mediterranean Chicken Stew with Olives and Tomatoes is a delightful slow cooker recipe that’s packed with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olives, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken Stew, Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe