Name: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts; thighs stay juicier); 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained); 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed or dry; pat dry if oily); 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed (optional but adds a nice briny pop); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus zest of 1 lemon); 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika); 1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional heat); Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish); Feta cheese, crumbled (optional garnish)

If you love meals that taste like sunshine and require almost no effort, this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is for you. It’s tender, juicy chicken simmered with tomatoes, olives, herbs, and a hint of lemon. The flavors are warm and vibrant, and the prep is minimal.

You toss everything in the slow cooker, then come back to a fragrant, ready-to-serve dinner. It’s great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something wholesome without hovering over the stove.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Big, bright flavors with little effort: The slow cooker does the work while herbs, garlic, olives, and tomatoes infuse the chicken.
Foolproof and flexible: Works with chicken thighs or breasts, and you can swap veggies and herbs based on what you have.
Balanced and satisfying: Protein-rich chicken, good fats from olives and olive oil, and plenty of vegetables make this a complete meal.
Meal-prep friendly: Keeps well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Pairs with anything: Serve with rice, couscous, or crusty bread, or keep it light with greens or cauliflower rice.

Close-up detail shot of slow cooker mediterranean chicken

What You’ll Need

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts; thighs stay juicier)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained)
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed or dry; pat dry if oily)
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed (optional but adds a nice briny pop)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus zest of 1 lemon)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Feta cheese, crumbled (optional garnish)

How To Make This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Layer the base: Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper to the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter in the garlic, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Place the chicken on top of the veggies.
Add liquid and brightness: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Sprinkle on the red pepper flakes if using.
Set and cook: Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2 1/2–3 1/2 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally. Thighs can go longer without drying out.
Optional finish: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Turn the slow cooker to High, and simmer the sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 teaspoon water) and cook 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust: Stir, then taste the sauce.
Add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or extra olives if you like it brinier.
Serve: Return the chicken to the pot, top with chopped parsley or basil, and crumble feta over the top if desired. Serve with couscous, rice, or crusty bread, plus a simple green salad.

Overhead “tasty top view” of slow cooker mediterranean chicken

How to Store

Refrigerate: Cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keep the chicken in the sauce to stay moist.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50–70% power, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens.
Meal prep tip: Cook grains separately and store them plain. Reheat together just before serving for the best texture.

Health Benefits

Lean protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein that supports muscle health and keeps you full.
Mediterranean fats: Olive oil and olives offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Vegetable variety: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs deliver fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
Lower sodium potential: Using low-sodium broth and rinsed capers keeps salt in check without losing flavor.
Balanced plate: Pair with whole grains or a big salad for a nutrient-rich, satisfying meal.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Overcooking chicken breasts: Breasts dry out faster than thighs.
If using breasts, check at the earlier end of the time range.
Too much liquid: Slow cookers trap moisture. Avoid adding extra broth beyond what’s listed, or you’ll end up with a watery sauce.
Salty ingredients stacking up: Olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta are salty. Taste before adding more salt.
Soggy veggies: If you prefer firmer peppers, add them halfway through cooking instead of at the start.
Blandness from skipped acids: Lemon juice and zest brighten everything.
Don’t skip them, and add another squeeze before serving if needed.

Cooking process of slow cooker mediterranean chicken

Alternatives

Protein swaps: Use bone-in chicken thighs (add 30–45 minutes), turkey cutlets, or chickpeas for a vegetarian spin.
Veggie variations: Add artichoke hearts, zucchini, or spinach in the last 30 minutes. Roasted red peppers also work well.
Spice tweaks: Try Italian seasoning instead of oregano/thyme, or add cumin and coriander for a deeper, warm profile.
Tomato choices: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier flavor or fresh Roma tomatoes for a lighter sauce.
Grain pairings: Serve over pearl couscous, farro, quinoa, or mashed cauliflower for a lighter option.
Dairy-free finish: Skip feta and add a drizzle of good olive oil and extra herbs to finish.

FAQ’s For Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Can I make this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Yes. For stovetop, sear the chicken in a Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer covered on low for 25–35 minutes. For the oven, bake in a covered Dutch oven at 350°F for 35–45 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

No. Searing adds depth, but the slow cooker will develop plenty of flavor. If you have time, brown the chicken in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s safest to thaw chicken before slow cooking for even cooking and food safety. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick-thaw method in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can reduce the sauce by simmering it uncovered on High for 10–15 minutes, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste. Mashed cannellini beans also add body and creaminess.

What wines pair well with this?

Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a dry Rosé, or a light red like Pinot Noir. Their acidity complements the lemon, tomatoes, and briny olives.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the dish itself is gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free sides like rice, polenta, or quinoa to keep the whole meal gluten-free.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of Aleppo pepper, or a chopped Calabrian chile for more heat.

In Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken brings bright, savory flavors to your table with almost zero fuss. It’s flexible, healthy, and easy to pair with your favorite sides.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead, this recipe delivers reliable, delicious results. Keep a lemon on hand, taste as you go, and let the slow cooker do the rest. Enjoy the leftovers—if there are any.