Rustic Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Chicken with Tomatoes, Herbs and Kalamata Olives
Rustic Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, garlic, fragrant herbs, and briny Kalamata olives. Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the rich tomato sauce and Mediterranean flavors while becoming wonderfully tender. Similar Mediterranean slow-cooker recipes commonly pair chicken with tomatoes, herbs, olives, and aromatics for a deeply savory meal. (Wendy Polisi)
Ingredients
- 2½–3 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, optional
Directions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Using chicken thighs works especially well for slow cooking because they remain tender and flavorful as they cook in the tomato sauce. (Cafe Delites)
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, just until nicely browned.
You don’t need to cook the chicken completely at this stage. Browning simply develops a deeper, more savory flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
4. Build the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the tomatoes, oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir everything together.
5. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Place the browned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken and make sure the pieces are surrounded by the sauce.
Cover with the lid and cook on:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The chicken should be tender and cooked through, reaching at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
6. Add the Kalamata Olives
Add the Kalamata olives during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps them retain their texture while allowing their briny flavor to blend into the tomato sauce.
Slow-cooked Mediterranean chicken recipes commonly add Kalamata olives to tomato-based sauces to provide a savory, briny contrast to the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes. (MummyPages)
7. Finish the Dish
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
For an extra fresh Mediterranean touch, sprinkle chopped basil over the chicken just before serving.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken
This rustic chicken is delicious served over:
- Fluffy white or brown rice
- Couscous
- Orzo
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
Crusty bread is especially good for soaking up the rich tomato and olive sauce.
Tips for the Best Results
For the deepest flavor, don’t skip browning the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. You can also use fresh tomatoes during tomato season, although canned tomatoes provide a convenient and consistent sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the slow-cooker lid during the final 20–30 minutes and allow some excess liquid to evaporate. For extra brightness, serve each portion with a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Meta Description
This Rustic Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Chicken features tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, garlic, fragrant herbs, and Kalamata olives for an easy, flavorful dinner.