This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a light, healthy dinner packed with colourful peppers, courgettes, red onions and fresh basil. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, creating tender chicken and tasty roasted-style vegetables with minimal effort. Perfect for summer meals when you want something fresh but still need dinner ready when you walk through the door.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
- Naturally low carb as well as gluten-free
- Packed with colourful vegetables
- Great for meal prep
- Light enough for summer but satisfying all year round
- Uses simple everyday ingredients
Why This is a Great Summer Slow Cooker Recipe
Unlike heavier stews and casseroles, this Mediterranean chicken is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s a lighter slow cooker meal that works well during warmer months while still giving you the convenience of having dinner ready at the end of the day.
Mediterranean Flavours
The combination of oregano, basil, sweet peppers and red onion gives this dish classic Mediterranean flavours. As the vegetables cook they soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce that keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need for this healthy slow cooker chicken dish. Get the exact measurements in the recipe card further down the page.
- red onions – red onion softens beautifully in the slow cooker and adds a mild sweetness to balance the vegetables and herbs.
- courgettes (zucchini) – courgettes add bulk and a light, fresh texture. Slice them into thick chunks so they hold their shape during cooking and don’t turn too soft.
- red and yellow bell peppers – red peppers bring sweetness and a classic Mediterranean flavour. Mix in yellow or orange peppers for extra colour and variety.
- basil leaves – add fresh basil at the end of cooking for a bright, aromatic finish. It loses flavour if cooked for too long, so stir it in just before serving.
- chicken breasts – use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, tender result. You can also swap for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut or need to cook for longer.
- dried oregano – oregano is key for that classic Mediterranean taste. It holds up well during slow cooking and infuses the chicken and vegetables.
- salt and pepper – season to your taste.
- optional – olive oil. A few sprays of olive oil before cooking works well.
Instructions
Before you start, read my step-by-step instructions, with photos, hints and tips so you can make this slow cooker Mediterranean chicken recipe perfectly every time.
Scroll down for the recipe card with quantities and more tips at the bottom of the page.
Step 1. Place the sliced red onions in the base of the slow cooker pot, and the chicken breasts on top.
Step 2. Layer the sliced peppers and courgettes in with the chicken in the pot.
Step 3. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle the dried oregano over the top.
Step 4. Add a few torn basil leaves too. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Try not to leave it to cook for any longer or your chicken may dry out.
Step 5. Once the time is up, you’ll find the chicken and vegetables have produced juices in the base of the pot. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon and either serve right away or transfer to a serving dish. Garnish it with more torn basil leaves and serve.
Recipe variations
- Give it a Greek twist with some black olives.
- Lean towards a Spanish vibe by adding in some slices of fried chorizo from the start.
- Include some sliced aubergine (eggplant).
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
- Use chicken thigh instead of chicken breast.
- Add some crumbled feta or grated parmesan when serving.
- Sprinkle over some chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle over some red pepper flakes for additional earthy flavour and colour.
- Vary the herbs you garnish the dish with – a little fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley would work well.
Serving Suggestions
Served with couscous, crusty bread, orzo pasta, rice, green salad, roasted new potatoes. If you are eating low carb this is great served with extra veg or cauliflower rice too.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave until piping hot throughout.
Freezing
Freeze portions for up to 3 months and defrost overnight before reheating in the microwave.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you like my Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, try one of these next:
- Slow cooker chicken thighs with tomatoes and peppers
- Slow cooker chicken ratatouille
- Slow cooker chicken tagine
- Slow cooker lemon and herb chicken with asparagus
Recipe
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 red onions sliced
- 2 courgettes (zucchini) sliced
- 1 yellow (bell) pepper sliced
- 1 red (bell) pepper sliced
- 4 chicken breasts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 handful freshly picked basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the sliced red onions in the base of the slow cooker pot, and the chicken breasts on top.2 red onions, 4 chicken breasts
- Layer the sliced peppers and courgettes in with the chicken in the pot.1 yellow (bell) pepper, 1 red (bell) pepper, 2 courgettes (zucchini)
- Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle the dried oregano over the top.salt and pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano
- Add some basil leaves into the pot too.1 handful freshly picked basil leaves
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Try not to leave it any longer or your chicken may dry out.
- As the chicken cooks juices will be produced in the base of the pot, it will not be cooking dry.
- Transfer to a serving dish (leaving the juices behind), garnish with more fresh basil and serve. Delicious with pasta and salad for a light meal.
Notes
- Give it a Greek twist with some black olives.
- Lean towards a Spanish vibe by adding in some slices of fried chorizo from the start.
- Include some sliced aubergine (eggplant).
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
- Use chicken thigh instead of chicken breast.
- Add some crumbled feta or grated parmesan when serving.
- Sprinkle over some chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle over some red pepper flakes for additional earthy flavour and colour.
- Vary the herbs you garnish the dish with – a little fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley would work well.
Foodie Quine (@foodiequine) says
I really need to get more adventurous with my slow cooker in the summer months. I am seriously tempted by your sweet potato and halloumi bake.
Jenny Davies says
What a great meal for summer with a lovely salad alongside.
hijackedbytwins says
I love all of the Mediterranean vegetables and a good slow cooked meal is a winner in my mind! This is a perfect summers meal x
Mandy Mazliah says
What a lovely summery meal, I love all those Mediterranean veggies you’ve used x
Emma says
That sounds very tasty. I love using my slow cooker but it does tend to go away over summer so this is a good idea.
bakingqueen74 says
Thanks Emma, I find the slow cooker so handy when busy with the kids
Jessica Cantoni says
Oh my, I may have to get my slow cooker back out now! I love med veg!! X
bakingqueen74 says
Thanks Jessica, we love roasted veg here too!
Sarah Trivuncic, Maison Cupcake says
That looks fab! So summery! You’re really stating the case for using slow cookers not just in winter 🙂
bakingqueen74 says
Thanks Sarah, I find them so useful when busy at work and things!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
I could see myself now, eating this alfresco with a lovely glass of wine. It really looks yummy!
bakingqueen74 says
Oh yes that is a perfect idea!
Corina says
It looks lovely and summery! I certainly wouldn’t have thought it was made in the slow cooker – I have neglected mine a bit over the past couple of months so really need to get it out again soon.
bakingqueen74 says
Thanks Corina! I was really pleased it worked so well as will be very useful on busy summer days