Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Servings: 4
This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weekdays. Tender chicken thighs simmer with fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich, savory stew with just the right touch of tang from tomatoes. It’s simple to prepare, cooks hands-off in a slow cooker, and pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
Wash and chop the vegetables as directed. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Layer in the slow cooker
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers on top. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle the garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper over the top.
Add olives
Scatter the kalamata olives over the mixture.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Shred or serve whole
You can leave the chicken thighs whole or shred them with two forks directly in the slow cooker for a more rustic stew texture.
Garnish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy hot with rice, couscous, or bread.
Tips:
Even cooking: Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Chicken choice: Thighs are ideal for slow cooking since they stay tender, but you can use chicken breasts if preferred; just reduce the cooking time slightly.
Avoid watery stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in 1-2 tsp of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Flavor boost: Sauté the garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer aroma.
Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations:
Add more vegetables: Eggplant, spinach, or mushrooms work well and enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Make it citrusy: Stir in 1 tbsp of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Make it heartier: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or roasted potatoes instead of plain rice.
Herb swaps: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of oregano for a slightly different herbal profile.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
A: Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely. Use the “Sauté” function for 5 minutes to soften the garlic and veggies, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with a natural release.
Q: Can I substitute the kalamata olives?
A: Yes, green olives or even a few capers can provide a similar salty, briny flavor.
Q: How do I thicken the stew?
A: Mix 1–2 tsp of cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir into the stew during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Cook as usual the next day.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4)
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg (varies with broth and olives)
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy days. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and briny olives creates a satisfying dish that works beautifully on its own or served over grains. It’s adaptable, freezer-friendly, and even tastes better the next day. A simple, hands-off recipe with bold Mediterranean flavors that your family will love.