Description
A flavorful Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with cherry tomatoes, black olives, garlic, fresh basil, and a blend of Mediterranean seasonings. Perfectly cooked low and slow for a delicious, hands-off meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 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 them for cooking. This ensures even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add the minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted black olives, and fresh basil leaves on top of the chicken to infuse Mediterranean flavors.
- Add Seasoning: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on top to season the dish perfectly.
- Cover and Cook: Secure the slow cooker lid tightly and cook the chicken on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve It Up: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks, mixing it well with the flavorful juices and ingredients. Serve the Mediterranean chicken hot over cooked rice or pasta for a wholesome main dish.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best vibrant flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if needed.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on your taste preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Serving the chicken over rice, couscous, or pasta helps soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a spicier twist, add crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
