Mediterranean Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Olives and Lemon
Table of Contents
Right then, let's get stuck into this!
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even when it's chucking it down outside? this chicken thigh crock pot recipe is just the ticket! honestly, the combination of zesty lemon and salty olives is a proper flavour explosion.
Brief Overview
This mediterranean inspired dish is a winner. think of it as a culinary postcard from greece or italy. this recipe comes from the idea of old fashioned home cooked meals .
It's dead easy, takes hardly any effort, and feeds about 4-6 hungry souls. prep is only 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest.
Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3-4.
Main Benefits
Chicken thighs are a cracking source of protein. this recipe is also packed with flavour, using loads of fresh herbs and healthy fats from the olives.
Chicken thighs potatoes crockpot are also awesome. it's perfect for a relaxed sunday lunch or a simple weeknight dinner. what makes it special? it's a total crowd pleaser, super versatile, and makes you feel like you're on holiday.
Think animal based crockpot meals , but make it med.
This recipe's inspired by those classic Mediterranean flavours. The brightness will blow you away! Forget boring Garlic Chicken Recipes , this is a cut above. Time to get cooking!
This recipe came from the need for a quick Fridge To Oven Meals when I have little time to prep.
Right, onto the goodies you'll need!
Right, let's dive into the bits and bobs you'll need for some bloomin' brilliant chicken thigh crock pot recipes . Honestly, gettin' the right stuff makes all the difference. You know?
Cracking Ingredients for Your Chicken Crock Pot Masterpiece
Main Players: The Chicken
First up, the star: boneless, skinless chicken thighs . you'll want about 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) . trust me, thighs are the way to go they stay nice and juicy in the slow cooker.
Look for thighs that are a good colour, not too pale, and feel firm to the touch. nobody wants dodgy chicken! if you are looking for boneless chicken thigh recipes or chicken thigh recipes crockpot this is perfect!
Mediterranean Magic: Flavours That Pop
Next, for that mediterranean zing, you'll need a decent 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil. go for extra virgin if you can.
Then, a large onion, chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, innit?); and 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped.
We are in the mood for simple chicken thigh crockpot recipes !
Now, a cheeky splash of 1/2 cup (120 ml) of dry white wine sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio works a treat.
Or, if you're teetotal, chicken broth's just as good. plus, a can of diced tomatoes 1 (14.5 oz) can (411 g) , undrained.
A good portion of 1/2 cup (80 g) of kalamata olives, pitted and halved, chuck in some 1/4 cup (4 g) fresh oregano, chopped, 1/4 cup (4 g) of fresh parsley, chopped and squeeze in some 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice and a tasty 1 lemon, sliced into rounds.
Some 1 tsp (2g) dried thyme and if you fancy a bit of heat 1/2 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes.
Don't forget the salt and pepper season to taste, darling!
Seasoning Secrets & Swaps
Oregano, parsley, thyme that's your essential mediterranean spice crew. they bring the sunshine, they do! if you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice depth.
Got no fresh herbs? dried ones will do in a pinch just use about a teaspoon of each instead.
Honestly, the lemon is the real game changer. It brightens everything up!
If you're thinking honey garlic chicken crock pot , swap out some of those mediterranean herbs for a ginger garlic paste and a good glug of honey oh my gosh, delicious! you can also make honey garlic soy sauce chicken crock pot with a little soy sauce in the recipe.
Kit You'll Need: The Bare Necessities
Right, the gear. you don't need much. a 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker is the star. if you haven't got one, you're missin' out! 7qt crockpot recipes are the same just using bigger portions of the ingredients.
You'll also want a large skillet, but that's only if you're feeling fancy and want to sear the chicken first.
If not, no worries! a chopping board, a good knife, and a spoon that's all you need. even you can have one of the best crock pot dinners .
And there you have it! your ingredient and equipment list is sorted. now, let's get cookin'! thinking of something animal based? this might be perfect for animal based crockpot meals ! this recipe also is part of old fashioned home cooked meals .
Alright, let's get down to business! i'm absolutely buzzing to share my mediterranean chicken thigh crock pot recipes with you.
Honestly, it's a right treat. so, ditch the boring beige food and let's get some sunshine on your plate, even if it's raining cats and dogs outside!
Sun-Kissed Flavours: Mediterranean Chicken Thigh Crock Pot Recipes
You know, sometimes you just fancy a dish that tastes like a holiday. that's exactly what this recipe is. imagine sitting by the med, with a glass of vino in hand.
.. ah, bliss! this chicken thigh crock pot recipe is seriously easy, chuck everything in, set it, and forget it! it is an old fashioned home cooked meal and is so simple that even my nan could make it.
I hope you brought your 7qt crockpot recipes out for this one!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Magic
Right, first things first: let's get prepped. chop your onion, mince the garlic (don't skimp!), and dice that red bell pepper.
I love a vibrant red pepper. measure out your olive oil (tablespoon), ready that white wine (or chicken broth if you're teetotal), and get those yummy pitted and halved kalamata olives out.
Fresh herbs are essential , so chop up a quarter cup of oregano and parsley . and last but not least, squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice ! got it? good!
- Time Saver Tip: Chop all your veg the night before. You'll thank me later, especially if you're doing this for a boneless skinless chicken thighs recipes crock pot mid-week dinner!
Let's Get Cooking: Slow Cook Honey Garlic Chicken
Right, here we go! Five simple steps to heaven:
- Sizzle (Optional): Heat your olive oil in a pan. Brown the 2.5 lbs chicken thighs for a few minutes on each side. This adds depth, honestly! Season with salt and pepper first, obvs.
- Veggie Base: Pop the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper into your slow cooker.
- Chicken Layer: Arrange the seared chicken (or unseared if you're skipping the sizzle) on top of the veggies.
- Sauce Time: Pour in your white wine (or broth), the can of diced tomatoes , olives, herbs, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir. Add a dash of honey if you like a Slow Cook Honey Garlic Chicken . This could also be considered a Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Healthy dinner.
- Lemon Crown: Arrange lemon slices over the top. Pop the lid on and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . You're looking for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Nifty Know How: Pro Tips for the Win
- Don't Overdo It: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but overcooking can make them dry. Keep an eye on it, especially when cooking on high. You can find plenty of Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes online!
- Spice It Up: Feeling brave? Chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- make-ahead Magic: Prep the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. This meal can be fridge to oven meals. Then just add the chicken in the morning and you are sorted. I love this Chicken Thigh Recipes Crockpot meal.
Seriously, this mediterranean chicken thigh crock pot recipe is such a winner. it's simple, flavourful, and always a crowd pleaser. the flavours just explode in your mouth.
Enjoy, you lovely lot! and if you like garlic chicken recipes keep an eye out for my future articles. ta ta for now!
Right then, let's chat about getting the absolute most out of your chicken thigh crock pot recipes , shall we? Seriously, it's all about those little touches that can take a dish from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!" I've been there, trust me!
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Crock Pot Code
Honestly, sometimes the smallest tweak can make all the difference. my nan always said, "a pinch of this, a dash of that, and a whole lotta love!" and you know what? she wasn't wrong.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got this gorgeous slow cook honey garlic chicken ready to go. now what? well, presentation matters, doesn't it? think about plating it up nicely.
Maybe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a lemon wedge, or a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. serving it over rice is a winner too.
A few roasted veggies on the side never hurt anyone either. just a little touch of fancy can elevate even the simplest crockpot dinners to something special!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right, so you’ve got leftovers? ace! refrigeration guidelines are simple: get it into an airtight container and into the fridge within two hours.
It'll keep for about three to four days, no worries. for freezing options , let it cool completely first. then, pop it into a freezer safe container or a freezer bag.
It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to three months. when it comes to reheating instructions , the microwave is your best friend for a quick lunch.
Or, you can reheat it gently on the hob. a good plan for fridge-to-oven meals too!
Variations: Switching Things Up
Fancy a bit of a change? no problem! for a dietary adaptation , try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in honey garlic soy sauce chicken crock pot .
It's a great gluten-free option. for seasonal ingredient swaps , chuck in some butternut squash in the autumn or some fresh asparagus in the spring.
See how simple these garlic chicken recipes are?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Look, i'm not a nutritionist, but i can tell you this: these chicken thigh recipes crockpot are packed with protein and flavor! you're getting a good dose of vitamins from the garlic and veggies.
Plus, it's slow cooked, so the chicken stays nice and juicy. always a good thing. this ticks those old fashioned home cooked meals boxes for sure.
So there you have it. a few little tips to help you nail those simple chicken thigh crockpot recipes . get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Honestly, with chicken thigh crock pot recipes , the possibilities are endless. give the honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy options a go.
Maybe even try slow cooker spicy chicken thighs for a bit of a kick! you'll be amazed at what you can create with your 7qt crockpot recipes .
Now, go get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken thighs for these chicken thigh crock pot recipes?
While it's always best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken thighs in a pinch. Be sure to add at least an hour or two to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Just like a good cuppa, patience is key, mate!
My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken my slow cooker chicken thigh sauce?
No worries, thickening a slow cooker sauce is easier than brewing a pot of tea! Remove the chicken and any excess liquid from the crock pot. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crock pot, then cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until thickened. Voila! A sauce thick enough to make gravy jealous!
How long can I store leftover crock pot chicken thighs?
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down a bit before you pop it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What's the best way to reheat leftover chicken thighs?
You've got a few options for reheating your chicken. The easiest is in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook and dry it out. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil.
Reheating it in the crock pot is also an option, though it will take longer; just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Are these chicken thigh crock pot recipes healthy?
This Mediterranean chicken recipe can absolutely be part of a healthy diet! It's packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables. Plus, the olive oil provides healthy fats, and it's lower in carbs than some other slow cooker dishes. However, remember to be mindful of portion sizes and sodium content.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add more of your favourite veggies. Zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and extra bell peppers would all work wonderfully. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables. This is your chance to put your own stamp on the recipe and make it your own!
Mediterranean Crock Pot Chicken Thighs With Oliv
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |