Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken: An Effortless & Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Imagine a dish that brings the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Our Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is exactly that – a culinary masterpiece featuring tender chicken thighs, juicy artichoke hearts, briny Kalamata olives, and sweet roasted red peppers, all simmered in a rich, herby tomato sauce. With just five minutes of hands-on prep work, you can set it and forget it, returning hours later to a mouthwatering meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare.

This exquisite Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken offers the best of both worlds: it’s as comforting as your favorite pasta dish and as exciting as a gourmet Mediterranean appetizer platter. Whether you choose to serve it over fluffy orzo, charming bowtie noodles, or a bed of nutritious quinoa, this recipe promises a delightful experience that transports your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.

A Personal Touch to Mediterranean Cooking

Hello everyone! I’m Sabrina from Cooking with Points, where we specialize in creating delicious, Weight Watchers-friendly recipes five days a week. With eight years of experience as a private chef, I’ve always been passionate about creating dishes that are both flavorful and wholesome. This year, my family and I have embarked on a journey to embrace healthier eating, and this Mediterranean chicken has been a fantastic addition to our weekly menu, offering a refreshing alternative to some of the richer, cheese and bacon-focused recipes we enjoyed last year.

Growing up with a Middle Eastern background, these vibrant flavors are deeply rooted in my childhood memories. The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. With just a few strategic additions to a classic tomato base, you’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor we achieve in this chicken dish. It’s incredibly easy – gather your ingredients, add the chicken, whip up a quick 30-second sauce, and your slow cooker handles the rest!

The Secret to Unforgettable Mediterranean Flavor: Roasted Red Peppers

One of the star ingredients in this recipe is the humble yet mighty roasted bell pepper. We strategically use a jar of roasted bell peppers in two ways: some are pureed into the sauce, while others are added in chunks around the chicken. This dual application infuses the entire dish with an incredible depth of flavor. The smoky sweetness of the roasted peppers, combined with aromatic herbs and the tangy tomato sauce, creates a symphony of tastes that elevates this dish far beyond a simple chicken stew.

Using jarred roasted bell peppers is a fantastic time-saver without compromising on flavor. They come pre-roasted, peeled, and ready to use, making your prep even quicker. However, if you have a bit more time and want to experience an even fresher, more intense flavor, roasting your own bell peppers is a truly rewarding endeavor. We’ll share a simple guide for homemade roasted peppers later in this article.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Are Best

For this recipe, chicken thighs are the ideal choice. Their slightly higher fat content ensures that they remain incredibly moist and tender throughout the long cooking process, practically falling off the bone by the time they’re done. Unlike leaner chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out in a slow cooker, thighs absorb all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors, resulting in a succulent and flavorful bite every time. The skin-side-up placement also helps to create a slightly crispy top if you’re lucky enough to have a slow cooker that browns a little, or at least prevents the skin from becoming too soggy.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Basics

While this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is absolutely divine served over orzo or bowtie pasta, don’t limit your options! It’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Grains: Consider serving it with fluffy couscous, a hearty rice pilaf, or protein-rich quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potato wedges would make an excellent accompaniment.
• Greens: A simple green salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette or some steamed spinach or green beans will add freshness and balance.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a warm, crusty baguette or pita bread to mop up every last drop of the savory sauce – it’s too good to waste!
• Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a comforting and unique pairing that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Transforming Leftovers into New Culinary Delights

One of the many benefits of this slow cooker dish is how wonderfully it transforms into exciting leftover meals. If you happen to have any remaining chicken and sauce (which is a big IF, considering how delicious it is!), simply shred the tender chicken, mix it back into the sauce, and you’re ready to create something new:

• Quick Pasta Dish: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for an instant, flavorful meal.
• Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad: For a delightful cold dish, mix the shredded chicken and sauce with chilled bowtie pasta, add some cubed feta cheese, chopped cucumbers, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Pita or Wrap Fillings: Spoon the chicken mixture into warm pita bread or lettuce cups for a quick and satisfying lunch.
• Bruschetta Topping: Serve it over toasted bread rounds for a unique appetizer.
• Pizza Topping: Use it as a base for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza.

Explore More Mediterranean Inspired Recipes

If you’re as enamored with Mediterranean flavors as I am, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty more options to explore! On Cooking with Points, I also have an easy and incredibly flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken Skewer recipe that I’m sure you’ll adore. It’s perfect for grilling or baking and brings a bright, zesty touch to your table.

And for those looking to expand their repertoire even further, my talented friend Karina at Cafe Delites offers a ton of amazing Mediterranean-inspired recipes with similar flavor profiles. You might want to try her AMAZING Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree for a festive appetizer, her delightful Pan Seared Fish With Tomatoes & Olives for a lighter main course, or her refreshing Loaded Greek Chicken Avocado Salad for a vibrant and filling meal. There’s a whole world of Mediterranean deliciousness waiting to be discovered!

DIY Roasted Red Bell Peppers: A Simple How-To

While jarred roasted red bell peppers offer convenience, making your own at home provides an incredibly fresh and vibrant flavor that can elevate your dish even further. It’s a surprisingly simple process that yields fantastic results:

• Charring: Place whole bell peppers directly onto a hot grill, under a broiler, or over a gas stove flame. Turn them frequently with tongs until the skin is completely charred and blackened on all sides, and the peppers are softened.
• Steaming: Immediately transfer the hot, charred bell peppers to a large bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This step helps to loosen the skin, making it much easier to peel.
• Peeling and Seeding: Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the blackened skins. Remove the stems and seeds. You’ll be left with tender, smoky roasted pepper flesh.
• Storage: Place the peeled and deseeded peppers in an airtight glass container. They will release delicious juices, which are perfect for adding extra flavor to your sauce. Homemade roasted peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Making your own is a satisfying way to enhance this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. We hope you and your family absolutely love this recipe as much as we do, and we look forward to seeing you back at Cooking with Points for more delicious and healthy meal ideas!