Description
This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a flavorful and effortless dish that combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, and fresh basil. Cooked slowly to perfection in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Vegetables
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes to prepare for layering in the slow cooker.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted black olives, and fresh basil leaves on top.
- Add Seasoning: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste to season the dish.
- Cover and Cook: Secure the slow cooker lid tightly. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively, on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve It Up: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks and mix with the juices. Serve the Mediterranean chicken hot over your choice of rice or pasta for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier result.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the oregano and salt according to your taste preferences.
