Name: Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls: Drool Worthy in 6 Hours
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 heaping tablespoon curry powder; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, mostly drained and chopped; 2 14-oz. cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped; ¼ cup white wine vinegar; ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, to garnish

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk easy weeknight dinners! I’ve been cooking for, well, let’s just say a *long* time (a few decades, yikes!), and I’m *always* on the hunt for recipes that are both delicious *and* don’t require me to spend all evening chained to the stove. That’s where these Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls come in. Seriously, this is set-it-and-forget-it cooking at its finest, and the Mediterranean flavors? Wow! They’re just bursting with sunshine and yumminess. I stumbled upon a similar recipe years ago, tweaked it a million times, and now? This is my go-to when I want a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. These Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls will become a family favorite, trust me!

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, dump everything in the crockpot and walk away! What’s easier than that? No slaving over a hot stove after a long day – just deliciousness waiting for you.

Flavorful Mediterranean Flavors

Think sunshine in a bowl! The combination of the curry, basil, thyme, tomatoes, and olives? It’s like a vacation for your taste buds. My favorite part is that tangy white wine vinegar!

Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats, these bowls are good for you and taste amazing. Plus, you can easily customize them to fit your dietary needs. Win-win!

Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste

Let’s be real, we all want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers big flavor with hardly any effort. I mean, who doesn’t love that?!

Ingredients for Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls. Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or two—cooking is all about improvising! But trust me, these are the basics for that perfect Mediterranean flavor.

Chicken

You’ll want 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I usually buy the ones that are already trimmed, but don’t sweat it if you need to trim them yourself!

Spices

Get ready to spice things up! You’ll need 1 heaping tablespoon of curry powder (I like a mild one, but go wild if you like heat!), 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t be shy with those spices!

Vegetables & Other

Now for the veggies and the magic! Grab 1 28 oz can of whole tomatoes, mostly drained and then chopped (diced tomatoes work in a pinch, but drain ’em!). You’ll also need 2 14-oz cans of quartered artichoke hearts, drained really well. Then, 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 medium onion, chopped, ½ cup of kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (I *love* olives!), ¼ cup of white wine vinegar, and ¼ cup of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, to garnish. Fresh herbs make all the difference!

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How to Make Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. And, hey, don’t stress if things aren’t perfect – that’s the beauty of crockpot cooking!

Prepare the Chicken

First things first, grab those chicken breasts and give ’em a good rub-down! In a small bowl, mix together half of your spice mixture (that’s the curry powder, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper). Then, sprinkle it all over the chicken. Make sure you get every nook and cranny! This is where the flavor party starts!

Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Now, let’s load up that crockpot! Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom. Then, dump in the rest of the ingredients: the chopped tomatoes, drained artichoke hearts, chicken broth, chopped onion, olives, and white wine vinegar. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over everything. Easy peasy!

Slow Cook to Perfection

Alright, time to let the magic happen! Cover that crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low because I like the chicken super tender, but high works too if you’re in a hurry. Just keep an eye on it! The chicken should be easy to shred when it’s done. Careful when you open the lid – it’s gonna be steamy!

Shred and Serve Your Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Almost there! Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks (or chop it up, if that’s your thing). Then, stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. Let it hang out in there for another 5-10 minutes, just to soak up all that yummy flavor. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley (or cilantro, if you’re a cilantro fan) and serve over your favorite grain. Voila! Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are served!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Want to take these Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share. These little tips will help you nail the recipe every single time!

Choosing the Right Chicken

I almost always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Why? They cook evenly in the slow cooker and shred like a dream! Plus, they’re a leaner option. You *could* use chicken thighs, but be sure to trim off any excess fat first, okay?

Adjusting the Seasoning

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the spices! The curry powder gives it that warm, earthy flavor, but you can totally adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Want a more herby flavor? Throw in some extra dried oregano or rosemary. It’s your bowl, so make it your own!

Controlling the Liquid

Crockpots can sometimes produce a bit too much liquid, especially with the tomatoes. To avoid a watery sauce, make sure you drain the canned tomatoes and artichoke hearts really well before adding them to the slow cooker. And when serving, use a slotted spoon to scoop out the chicken and veggies, leaving any excess liquid behind. Nobody wants a soggy bowl!

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Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, flavorful chicken… now what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy these Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls.

Grain Options

Couscous is my personal fave – it’s light and fluffy and soaks up all that yummy sauce! But rice, quinoa, or even pasta work great too. It’s all about what you’re in the mood for!

Side Dish Ideas

Want to round out the meal? A fresh Greek salad is always a winner! Or how about some warm pita bread for scooping up all the goodness? Hummus is another fantastic option. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls taste even better the next day, if you can believe it. Here’s how to store and reheat them like a pro.

Storage Instructions

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and they’ll keep happily in the fridge for 4-5 days. Or, if you want to save them for longer, freeze ’em for 4-5 months. Just make sure they’re properly sealed to avoid freezer burn!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, simply thaw the chicken (if frozen) and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Give it a good stir every now and then to make sure it heats evenly. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor, but be sure to trim off any extra skin or fat before tossing them in the crockpot. They might take a little less time to cook than chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them!

Can I add other vegetables to my Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls?

Oh, for sure! This recipe is super versatile. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even some spinach thrown in during the last 30 minutes of cooking would be delicious additions. Get creative and use what you have on hand!

Is there a way to make this Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls recipe spicier?

You bet! If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the crockpot. You could even use a hotter curry powder. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!

Can I make Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls ahead of time?

Totally! That’s the beauty of a crockpot meal. You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and then just pop it into the crockpot in the morning. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Please remember: nutrition info is an estimate! It’ll change based on the exact ingredients/brands you use. So, ya know, grain of salt!

Enjoy These Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls and Share Your Thoughts!

Alright, my friend! Give these Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken Bowls a try, then let me know what *you* think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your pics on social media! I wanna see your creations!