Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables: Easy Weeknight Dinner

There’s nothing quite like walking through your front door after a long day at work to the mouthwatering aroma of Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables that has been simmering all day. This dish transforms ordinary chicken and vegetables into a Mediterranean masterpiece with minimal effort on your part. The combination of earthy spices, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables creates a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family or prepare meals for the week ahead, this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables recipe delivers incredible flavor while letting your slow cooker do all the hard work.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

• ✅ Perfect family-friendly Mediterranean chicken slow cooker dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy
• ✅ One-pot slow cooker Mediterranean chicken and vegetable stew that means minimal cleanup
• ✅ Healthy slow cooker chicken and vegetable meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients
• ✅ Flavorful slow cooker Mediterranean chicken recipe that develops deep, complex flavors as it cooks
• ✅ Simple Mediterranean chicken and vegetable slow cooker idea that requires just 15 minutes of prep time
• ✅ Nutritious slow cooker chicken Mediterranean meal prep that tastes even better the next day
• ✅ Easy slow cooker Mediterranean chicken dish perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

For the Spice Mix:

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)

For the Main Dish:

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (about 2½ pounds)
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 12 marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 4 large carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 4 large garlic cloves, halved
• 1 (3 inch) piece cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed
• 1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
• ½ pound green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro

For Serving:

• 3 cups water
• 2 cups couscous (substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option)

How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables – Step by Step

Preparing the Spice Mix

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the turmeric, ginger, coriander, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and sprinkle with half of the spice mixture. Using your hands, rub the spices into the chicken to ensure even coverage. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.

Assembling the Slow Cooker Ingredients

Step 3: Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juice, artichoke hearts, chopped carrots, garlic cloves, and cinnamon stick to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent.

Step 5: Place the spice-rubbed chicken thighs on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the contents of the slow cooker and add the sautéed onions on top.

Cooking the Mediterranean Chicken

Step 7: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 8: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the green beans and red bell pepper pieces. Gently stir them into the mixture, being careful not to break up the chicken.

Step 9: When cooking is complete, remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.

Preparing the Couscous

Step 10: About 10 minutes before serving, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Step 11: Remove from heat, add 2 cups of couscous, stir quickly, and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

• For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken with the spice mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
• Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted but may cook faster (check after 5 hours on LOW or 2.5 hours on HIGH).
• Adding the green beans and bell peppers later in the cooking process keeps them vibrant and prevents them from becoming mushy.
• For a more authentic Mediterranean flavor, add a tablespoon of preserved lemon or a few thin slices of fresh lemon during the last hour of cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Using slow cooker Mediterranean chicken with seasonal vegetables allows you to adapt this recipe year-round with whatever produce is freshest.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various sides and can be presented in multiple ways:

• Serve over fluffy couscous as suggested in the recipe for an authentic Mediterranean meal
• Spoon over quinoa or brown rice for a nutty, wholesome alternative
• For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or simply enjoy on its own
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy, tangy finish
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill
• Serve with a side of warm pita bread for scooping up the delicious sauce
• Accompany with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

Per Serving (1/8 of recipe with couscous):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 12g (3g saturated)
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 6g

This nutritious slow cooker chicken Mediterranean meal prep is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins while being relatively low in fat compared to many other comfort food dishes.

Storage & Leftovers

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions without the couscous for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems dry.
• Couscous Storage: Store prepared couscous separately and reheat with a sprinkle of water to refresh.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

What vegetables work best in slow cooker Mediterranean chicken?

The best vegetables for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables are those that can withstand long cooking times without becoming mushy, such as carrots, onions, bell peppers, and artichokes. Add delicate vegetables like green beans, zucchini, and spinach in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking for optimal texture and color.

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?

For food safety reasons, it’s not recommended to use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Always thaw chicken completely before adding it to your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables. This ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of bacteria growth.

How long should I cook Mediterranean chicken in a slow cooker?

For bone-in chicken thighs in Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables, cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Boneless chicken cooks faster, needing approximately 5-6 hours on LOW or 2.5-3 hours on HIGH. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What seasoning is best for Mediterranean chicken dishes?

The best seasonings for flavorful slow cooker Mediterranean chicken recipes include a combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, and herbs like oregano and thyme. This balanced blend creates the authentic Mediterranean flavor profile that makes this dish so delicious.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables recipe perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine – vibrant, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the magical transformation that happens when you combine fresh ingredients with aromatic spices and let them simmer together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy your day while a delicious meal practically prepares itself. Next time you’re looking for a dish that combines convenience with incredible taste, this easy slow cooker Mediterranean chicken dish should be at the top of your list. Your taste buds – and your schedule – will thank you!

Have you tried making Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables? Share your experience or variations in the comments below!

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