Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked with a flavorful medley of artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers. Simmered slowly with aromatic onions, garlic, and white wine, this dish offers a hearty and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Chicken Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2.5 to 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (8 thighs)
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc)
- 1 (14-oz) jar artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 (8-oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes, julienne cut and drained
- 1 (7-oz) jar kalamata olives, pitted and sliced, drained
- 2 Tbsp capers
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the bottom of the crock pot, then pour in the white wine to deglaze and add flavor.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken thighs in two layers in the slow cooker on top of the onion mixture.
- Add Mediterranean Ingredients: Pour the drained artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken: Secure the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They are fully cooked when they reach 180°F (82°C) or higher.
- Serve: Stir everything in the slow cooker gently before serving. Serve the Mediterranean chicken over steamed brown rice or pasta noodles. For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Recommended Sides: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables and a classic Italian salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a lower sodium version, rinse the olives and capers before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have white wine, substitute with chicken broth or water for a non-alcoholic option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Sprinkling parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds a rich, savory flavor but is optional.
