Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken with Lemon Herbs
Recipe Introduction: Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken Bliss
Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate, even when it's chucking it down outside? Today, we're diving into crockpot recipes healthy , starting with my all-time favourite: Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken with Lemon and Herbs.
Honestly, this dish is like a holiday for your taste buds.
Sun-Kissed Flavors, Effortless Cooking
This recipe hails from the heart of the Mediterranean Diet . Think sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon it's like a hug from the Med.
It is a super Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Meals , and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
With a prep time of only 15 minutes and cook time of 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high , this recipe yields 6 servings of pure deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Crockpot Recipe
This dish is packed with protein and veggies, ticking all the boxes for a Crock Pot Dinner Healthy . It's also great if you are on the Mediterranean Diet Crockpot Recipes .
Picture this: tender chicken, infused with lemon and herbs, perfect for a cozy family dinner. I personally find it the perfect antidote to a dreary Monday night.
The Flavorful Meals it creates are incredible, and honestly, it’s one of my favourite Weeknight Family Dinner Ideas Healthy .
Okay, let's get this show on the road! Now, let’s grab the ingredients.
Ingredient Rundown for this Lemon Herb Crockpot Recipes
Here's what you'll need to make this magical dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any colour), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Next, let's dive into the simple steps to create this delicious meal! It's so simple that even I, with my sometimes questionable cooking skills, can nail it every single time using Crockpot Recipes with Vegetables .
Okay, let's get this show on the road! Think of me as your friendly neighbour, ready to whip up a recipe.
Let's talk about the Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken and what you'll need to make it sing.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Keep it Real!
Honestly, nailing the right ingredients is half the battle. And you don't need fancy stuff. We're going for flavorful meals with minimal fuss.
Main Ingredients
These amounts will serve six people.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Chicken thighs: 2 pounds boneless, skinless (approx. 900g). Look for plump, pink chicken. Not grey or slimy!
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (approx. 200g)
- Bell peppers: 2 , any colour, chopped (approx. 300g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (411g)
- Chickpeas: 1 (15 ounce) can , rinsed and drained (425g).
- Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup , pitted and halved (approx. 75g).
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped (approx. 15g).
- Fresh oregano: 1/4 cup , chopped (approx. 15g).
- Lemon: Juice and zest of 1 .
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml).
Seasoning Notes
Garlic, oregano, and lemon are your heroes here. Don't be shy! A little red pepper flake adds a sneaky kick.
Don't have fresh herbs? Dried will do, but use about half the amount. Think Mediterranean diet crockpot recipes should be bland? Not on my watch! You can easily whip up Healthy Crockpot meals with the right blend.
Equipment Needed
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is your best friend. A knife and cutting board are essential, of course. A lemon zester? Nice, but not crucial.
A cheese grater works just fine. No fancy gadgets needed for crockpot recipes easy ! You know? I once tried making this in a tiny slow cooker.
Massive fail! Chicken overflowed everywhere. Don't be me. The right gear makes life so much easier and allows you to create the best easy healthy slow cooker meals .
Mediterranean Dreamin': The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Ever
Okay, let's get this show on the road! I'm so excited to share this recipe. Forget slaving over a hot stove.
This Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken is where it's at! It's super healthy, packed with flavour, and so simple. Seriously, even I can't mess it up.
Think of me as your friendly neighbourgood SEO guru, ready to whip up a list that's more reliable than your nan's apple crumble recipe.
This isn't just another one of those boring crockpot recipes healthy . This is a flavour explosion in a pot! The lemon and herbs? Oh my gosh! They take it to the next level.
Plus, it's packed with good for-you stuff like chickpeas and bell peppers.
Prep Steps for Healthy Crockpot Goodness
- Essential mise en place : Chop 1 large onion , 2 bell peppers , mince 2 cloves of garlic . Measure out your herbs and spices. Having everything ready makes life so much easier.
- Time saving organization tips: I like to chop the veggies the night before. Store them in a container in the fridge. It saves me precious minutes in the morning.
- Safety reminders: Don't be a numpty! Use a clean cutting board for your chicken and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry. Nobody wants salmonella for dinner!
step-by-step: Crockpot Recipes Easy Peasy
- Lightly brown 2 pounds of chicken thighs in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. This takes about 3- 5 minutes per side.
- Layer the chopped onion and bell peppers in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the browned chicken on top. Sprinkle with minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour in 1 can (14.5 ounce) of diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounce) of rinsed chickpeas and 1/2 cup of halved Kalamata olives.
- Stir in 1/4 cup each of fresh parsley and oregano, plus the juice and zest of 1 lemon .
- Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
- Shred the chicken with two forks (optional).
- Serve hot!
Pro Tips: Mary Berry Approved
- Don't skip the browning! It adds a delicious depth of flavour, honestly.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker! Releasing heat will increase cooking time.
- This dish is a lifesaver! It is among the Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Meals category and great for freezing in portions for quick weeknight family dinner ideas healthy .
So there you have it! This recipe for crockpot recipes with vegetables , like lemon and herbs is a real winner. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Let's Get Cooking!
Okay, let's get this show on the road! You've got the Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken ready to go. Now, let's chat about making it truly yours .
This ain't just a recipe; it's a starting point.
Serve It Up! Plating and Presentation Ideas
Honestly, sometimes presentation is everything. Ladle this delicious mixture into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes all the difference.
For a fancy touch, add a lemon wedge. A side of couscous, quinoa, or even just some crusty bread is awesome.
You know? Serve this with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Store It Right: Refrigeration and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stuff is even better the next day. Store your Crockpot Recipes Easy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure the chicken is heated through. Freezing? Probably not the best idea.
The texture of the vegetables might change.
Remix Your Dinner: Variations & Adaptations
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk Crock Pot Dinner Healthy ! Swap out the chickpeas for zucchini if you're watching your carbs.
Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! For a vegetarian version, ditch the chicken and add more beans.
Like, cannellini beans, they are just perfect!. These Mediterranean Diet Crockpot Recipes can be really versatile.
Nutrition 101: The Good Stuff Inside
Each serving packs a nutritional punch. Around 350-400 calories, 35-40g of protein, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of protein and fibre.
All those veggies mean you're getting a good dose of antioxidants. This Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Meals is both delicious and good for you.
This Healthy Crockpot recipe is a winner. It's easy to make, full of flavour, and good for you. So, go ahead and give it a try.
You might just surprise yourself. This is one of the crockpot recipes with vegetables that is great. Try it with Lemon Herb Crockpot Recipes .
Enjoy your cooking journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken recipe actually healthy? I'm trying to find some good crockpot recipes healthy options.
Absolutely! This recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil and olives. It's lower in sodium than many processed meals and offers a good source of fiber. Plus, slow cooking often preserves more nutrients than other cooking methods.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? What's the difference?
You can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are generally recommended for slow cooking. Thighs have a higher fat content, which keeps them moist and tender during the long cooking time. Chicken breasts can sometimes dry out in a slow cooker, so if you use them, consider reducing the cooking time slightly.
How long can I store leftovers, and what's the best way to reheat them? I always end up with too much!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help rehydrate the chicken if it seems a bit dry.
I don't have fresh herbs. Can I use dried herbs instead? What's the conversion?
Yes, you can definitely use dried herbs in a pinch! A good rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. So, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, you'd use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Just remember that dried herbs can be a bit more potent, so start with a little less and add more to taste if needed.
Can I adapt this recipe for a low-carb diet? What substitutions can I make?
Certainly! To make this recipe lower in carbs, you can substitute the chickpeas with zucchini or another low-carb vegetable. Also, consider serving it over cauliflower rice instead of couscous or quinoa. Be mindful of the ingredients in your canned diced tomatoes as well - some brands add sugar.
My sauce is too watery. How can I thicken it up?
If your sauce is too thin, you can easily thicken it! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Alternatively, you can remove some of the sauce and simmer it in a saucepan on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency, then add it back to the slow cooker. Think of it like a good old British gravy!
Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken With Lemon Herbs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 6g |
