If you’re craving a dish bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that practically cooks itself, the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken soaking up the tangy brightness of red wine vinegar, the earthiness of kalamata olives, and the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, all slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver a healthy, fuss-free meal that feels both comforting and exotic — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that’s both balanced and exciting. These essentials are straightforward, yet each one adds layers of taste, texture, and color that make this chicken dish truly shine.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for lean protein.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and depth.
Roasted red peppers (12 ounces, drained and chopped): Bring sweetness and smoky warmth to the dish.
Kalamata olives (1 cup, drained): Offer a briny pop that’s signature to Greek cooking.
Medium red onion (cut into ½-inch chunks): Adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brightens the flavors with a tangy acidity.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon, about 3 large cloves): Infuses the dish with savory aromatic notes.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity with gentle sweetness.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic herb that evokes Mediterranean essence.
Dried thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, fragrant depth.
Feta cheese (½ cup, optional for serving): Crumbled on top for creamy saltiness.
Chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme): Freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by lightly coating your slow cooker with nonstick spray to make clean-up easy. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry and season it generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet, allowing it to brown undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes on one side until it develops a golden crust. Flip it for another minute to get a nice sear on the other side. This quick browning step locks in flavor and adds a wonderful texture that contrasts the slow cooking.

Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables and Olives

Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the slow cooker. Now it’s time to build the Mediterranean layers—arrange the chopped roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and red onion chunks around the chicken, making sure not to pile them on top. This layout helps the flavors mingle gently and cooks everything evenly without smothering the chicken.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Sauce

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, oregano, and thyme. The combination of tart, sweet, and herbal notes in this sauce is what truly makes this recipe shine. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, letting it seep into every corner to infuse that unmistakable Mediterranean essence.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 1½ to 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and become wonderfully tender, soaking up all those luscious flavors. Since slow cookers vary, keep an eye on the cooking progress the first time you try this recipe to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for that classic creamy, salty touch that elevates the whole dish. Freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme add brightness and vibrant green color, making the plate look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy couscous, quinoa, or a warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad also complement the bold flavors while keeping the meal light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try shredding the cooked chicken and serving it as a filling for Mediterranean wraps or pita pockets topped with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies. Alternatively, toss the chicken and vegetables atop a bed of seasoned orzo for a colorful and satisfying dinner plate that feels elegant yet effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, which makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy people who want convenient Mediterranean meals throughout the week.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze the leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. To maintain the texture and flavor, freeze the chicken separately from crunchy garnishes like fresh herbs or feta cheese, which are best added after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist. Since chicken can dry out quickly, reheating at a lower power setting in short intervals works best. You can also enjoy the chicken cold on salads or sandwiches for a refreshing change.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking, so they’re actually a fantastic choice if you prefer richer meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can sometimes cook a bit faster.

Do I have to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

While you can skip browning to save time, searing the chicken first adds a delicious caramelized flavor and texture that really enhances this recipe. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final dish.

Can I substitute the kalamata olives with another type?

Kalamata olives are preferred for their distinctive briny and fruity taste, but if you don’t have them, green olives or Castelvetrano olives can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that flavor and saltiness levels will vary.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and even freezes beautifully. Preparing it ahead makes for effortless Mediterranean weekday dinners.

Can I make this recipe in an instant pot instead of a slow cooker?

You can adapt the recipe for an instant pot by using the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then pressure cooking with the vegetables and sauce for about 10 minutes. Just ensure to let the pressure release naturally for tender results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s effortless yet packed with vibrant, homey Mediterranean flavors, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s healthy, comforting, and perfectly suited for feeding family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try it soon — your slow cooker will do all the hard work, and you’ll be left with a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives & Peppers (Easy Mediterranean Dinner) Recipe