Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
The ultimate comfort food: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. This easy weeknight dinner bursts with flavor from roasted red peppers, olives, and tender chicken. Set it and forget it for a delicious meal that will have your family asking for more!
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Frying Pan
- Slow Cooker
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted red bell peppers divided
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 5 each chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
Instructions
- Start by preparing your sauce. In a small food processor, combine half of the roasted red bell peppers, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Puree until smooth. This blend will become the flavor base of your dish.
- Next, take your chicken thighs and place them skin side up in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced, allowing for even cooking.
- Now, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Scatter the remaining roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts around the chicken. This not only adds flavor but also creates a colorful presentation.
- Pour the sauce you prepared earlier over the chicken and around the edges of the pan. This ensures that the chicken stays moist and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. The longer, the better, as the flavors meld together beautifully, and the chicken becomes tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even tastier!
- Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for about three months.
- Tip 3: Serve it with a side of quinoa or a fresh Mediterranean salad to add a crunchy texture and balance the flavors.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to keep the recipe fresh and exciting.
- Tip 5: If you opt for the low setting, plan ahead as the flavors will develop richer from the slow cooking.
- Tip 6: Lining your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner can make cleanup a breeze!