Name: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 6-9 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt & ground black pepper, to taste; 1 onion, sliced; 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced; 8 oz roasted red peppers; 2 tbsp capers; 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; Juice from 1/2 lemon; 3 tsp Italian seasoning; Feta cheese, for serving

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as effortless as it is flavorful, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love this because it combines tender chicken thighs with tangy olives, roasted red peppers, and capers—all slowly melding together to create a rich, vibrant meal that’s ready when you are. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for busy days and family dinners alike. Stick with me and I’ll share everything you need to make it a success.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off Cooking: You prep it in minutes, then let your slow cooker do all the work while you get on with your day.
Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Kalamata olives, capers, and roasted red peppers bring authentic brightness and depth without extra fuss.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Browning the chicken first seals in flavor and keeps the meat perfectly moist after hours on low heat.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy pantry required—everything’s easy to find and budget-friendly.

A white round plate is piled with six cooked chicken pieces, each topped with greenish herb seasoning. On the chicken pieces, there are sliced black olives scattered and bright red strips of roasted red peppers. Thin translucent slices of cooked onions are mixed in between the chicken pieces. The chicken has a golden brown crust with a moist texture, and some green capers are sprinkled on top as well. The background is a white marbled surface with a wooden spatula visible to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe plays a role in building its rich, layered taste. When I shop, I look for quality chicken thighs and the best kalamata olives I can find—these little bites make a big difference. You’ll find that fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish, balancing the briny notes beautifully.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker, soaking up all those Mediterranean flavors.
Olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken to lock in moisture and develop a savory crust.
Salt & ground black pepper: Don’t skip seasoning—they’re the foundation of great flavor.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy ingredients perfectly.
Kalamata olives: Their bold, salty flavor is a signature element of Mediterranean cooking.
Roasted red peppers: Packed with smoky sweetness, these peppers enhance the sauce without extra effort.
Capers: A burst of briny, tangy punch that ties the dish together.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten and balance the richness of the chicken and olives.
Italian seasoning: A simple herb blend that brings warmth and earthiness.
Garlic: Minced for that unmistakable punch of savory aroma.
Low sodium chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful base while controlling saltiness.
Feta cheese (optional): Crumbled on top at the end for an authentic Mediterranean finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is so easy to customize. Over time, I’ve played around with add-ins and tweaks depending on what’s in my fridge or the season, and you should feel free to do the same. The base is forgiving and adapts well.

Make it spicier: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño kicked it up a notch for my spice-loving family.
Vegetable boost: Toss in some artichoke hearts or halved cherry tomatoes about halfway through cooking for extra color and texture.
Different protein: I’ve swapped chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts when I wanted something leaner—just adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Herb swap: Fresh thyme or oregano adds a brighter herbal note if you have them on hand instead of the Italian seasoning.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

First, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming—and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is key: it develops flavor and locks in juices, so don’t skip it. Once browned, set the pieces aside.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor Base in the Slow Cooker

Next, add sliced onions, sliced kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, capers, and the chicken broth to your slow cooker. These ingredients form the aromatic, flavorful bed that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Add Seasonings

Place the browned chicken thighs right on top of the prepared veggies. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning, then pour this mixture evenly over the chicken—this adds acidity and garlic punch that elevates the dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours. The slow, gentle heat makes the chicken incredibly tender and lets all those Mediterranean flavors mingle. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 2-3 hours, but I prefer low and slow for the best texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Dry Your Chicken Well: I learned that patting the chicken completely dry before browning is a game-changer to get that lovely crust.
Don’t Skip Browning: It might seem like an extra step, but it seals flavor and texture; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can taste harsh—freshly squeezed adds the perfect brightness without bitterness.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep the slow cooker on low and don’t leave it too long past the cooking time to keep chicken juicy instead of dry.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds five pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, each topped with small sliced black olives and reddish roasted pepper strips. Around the chicken pieces, there are some cooked translucent onion slices and green capers scattered, adding texture. The chicken looks seasoned with visible black pepper and herbs, sitting lightly in a thin sauce that pools slightly on the plate. The background shows a white marbled surface with a bit of a blue and white cloth in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of crumbled feta cheese on top—its creamy, salty tang amps up the Mediterranean vibes perfectly. Fresh chopped parsley or oregano also add a lovely pop of color and brightness, making the dish feel fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy when I serve this with fluffy couscous or herbed rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant make great complements too. Sometimes I just put out crusty bread for sopping up every last delicious bite—never fails.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the chicken over a bed of grilled polenta squares and topped it with extra olives and roasted pepper strips for a stunning presentation. It’s always a conversation starter and feels a bit fancy with minimal extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate. I find the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day. They usually last 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers without the feta topping. It freezes well for about 2-3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. Microwaving works too, but I recommend covering it loosely to trap steam and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can swap chicken breasts for thighs, but breasts tend to dry out more easily in slow cookers. To avoid this, reduce the cooking time and keep an eye on the texture. Alternatively, cook on high for less time or add extra broth for moisture.
Do I have to brown the chicken first?

While not strictly necessary, browning the chicken before slow cooking really boosts flavor and locks in juices, making the finished dish taste far better. I strongly recommend it if you have time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your Italian seasoning and chicken broth labels. Serve with gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa for a full meal.
How long can leftovers be refrigerated?

Leftover chicken should keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. Just reheat thoroughly before eating.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or artichokes. Add hearty vegetables at the beginning and more delicate ones about halfway through cooking to keep perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe has completely changed how I approach busy weeknight dinners. I used to struggle with getting enough flavor and tenderness in slow cooker chicken, but this method nails it every time. Plus, the vibrant flavors remind me of sunny Mediterranean seaside meals shared with loved ones—that’s why I keep coming back to it. I promise if you give this recipe a try, you’ll find yourself reaching for it on repeat, just like I do. Grab your slow cooker and enjoy—it’s that good.