Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken with artichoke hearts, olives, and roasted red peppers cooks down into a briny, herby tomato sauce that is rich without feeling heavy. The chicken turns perfectly tender as it slowly simmers, soaking up all those classic Mediterranean flavors.

Best of all, this slow cooker Mediterranean chicken with artichokes comes together with just five minutes of prep. Once everything is in the pot, the slow cooker does all the work, giving you a comforting, flavorful Mediterranean chicken dinner with almost no effort at all.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

What makes this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken so good is how effortlessly the slow cooker builds flavor. As the chicken cooks low and slow, it stays juicy while absorbing the garlicky tomato sauce, herbs, and briny notes from the olives and artichokes. The result is a tender, deeply flavored Mediterranean chicken that tastes like it has been simmering all day for a reason.

Another reason this slow cooker Mediterranean chicken recipe works so well is its balance. The acidity from the tomatoes and roasted red peppers keeps the dish bright, while the olives and artichokes add contrast and depth without overpowering the chicken. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it is the kind of recipe you will come back to again and again.

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken uses simple pantry staples and a handful of bold Mediterranean ingredients to create a rich, slow simmered sauce.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and forgiving, chicken thighs stay tender during long slow cooking and soak up the herby tomato sauce beautifully.
• Roasted Red Bell Peppers: These add natural sweetness and a subtle smokiness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes without needing extra prep.
• Artichoke Hearts: Slightly tangy and tender, artichokes bring that unmistakable Mediterranean character and help keep the dish from tasting heavy.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, olives cut through the sauce and give this slow cooker Mediterranean chicken its signature savory edge.

Note: Please see recipe card at the botton for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

On the stove

1. Blend Sauce: Add half of the red bell peppers, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes to a food processor, then blend until smooth.

1. Arrange The Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the slow cooker, spacing them out so they cook evenly and stay partially exposed above the sauce.

1. Build Layers: Scatter the remaining red peppers, artichoke hearts, and olives around the chicken, then pour the blended sauce over the chicken.

1. Slow Cook To Finish: Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with Mediterranean flavor.

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the rich, herby tomato sauce. A serving of Garlic Cheese Bread is good for mopping up every last bit of sauce, while its crisp edges and buttery garlic flavor balance the briny olives and artichokes in the dish.

For something lighter Garlic Green Beans make an excellent vegetable side. Their fresh, garlicky bite keeps the meal from feeling too heavy and complements the Mediterranean chicken without competing with it. If you want to turn this into a more filling dinner, spoon the chicken and sauce over Fried Rice with Bacon for a hearty, satisfying option that still lets the slow cooker Mediterranean chicken stay front and center.

Kitchen tip

• We always season the chicken lightly before it goes in, even though it feels optional. That quick sprinkle of salt and pepper makes a noticeable difference once everything has slow cooked together.
• Resist the urge to stir at the beginning. We know it is tempting, but keeping the chicken on top helps it stay juicy instead of disappearing into the sauce.
• If we want a thicker, more clingy sauce, we pop the lid off for the last 20 to 30 minutes and let it cook on high. It is an easy fix and makes the sauce feel extra luxurious.
• This Mediterranean chicken is one of those dishes we actually look forward to eating as leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, so we often make it knowing tomorrow's dinner is already taken care of.

Recipe FAQ's

No browning is required for this slow cooker Mediterranean chicken recipe. The slow simmer does all the work, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful without an extra step.

As long as the olives and artichokes are drained well, the sauce stays nicely balanced. If you are sensitive to salt, you can rinse them briefly before adding.

Yes, but chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker. If using breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time and lean toward the shorter end so they do not dry out.

What you need

• 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

Method

1. In a small food processor add half the roasted bell peppers, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, sugar and crushed red pepper flakes and puree.
2. Add the chicken thighs skin side up in the slow cooker.
3. Add the remaining roasted red peppers, olives and artichoke hearts around the chicken pieces.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces and around the edge of the pan.
5. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.