Description
This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slowly cooked with cherry tomatoes, black olives, garlic, fresh basil, and a blend of classic Mediterranean seasonings. The recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful, hands-off meal served over 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 the slow cooker.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted black olives, and fresh basil leaves on top of the chicken.
- Add Seasoning: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over everything, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover and Cook: Secure the slow cooker lid tightly and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or 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 using two forks to mix with the flavorful juices. Serve the shredded Mediterranean chicken hot over cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs like basil gives the dish a bright flavor but dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, especially if using salted olives.
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms if desired for extra texture.
- This recipe freezes well – store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before cooking.
