If you love the bright, bold flavors of sun-soaked coastal cuisine, this crockpot creation is about to become a new favorite. Juicy chicken is nestled alongside tomatoes, olives, and chickpeas, then gently simmered for hours to let the herbs and spices infuse every bite. It’s a hearty, feel-good meal that delivers all the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Instructions
Start by layering the onion and garlic at the bottom of your crockpot. Gently place the chicken pieces on top, then sprinkle with oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like an extra kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, followed by the chickpeas and kalamata olives. Give everything a quick stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (or on high for about 3 to 4 hours). About halfway through the cooking time, taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed—sometimes a little extra salt or herbs can make all the difference. Once it’s finished, the chicken should be tender and effortlessly pull apart with a fork, and the broth will be richly flavored with all those Mediterranean spices.
For serving, spoon the stew over a bed of tender couscous or hearty brown rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an added flourish.
This sun-kissed stew is a fabulous choice for busy weeknights, cozy weekend meals, or whenever you crave a comforting dinner with minimal prep. It’s easily adaptable—swap out the chicken for cooked white beans or tofu for a vegetarian twist—making it a flexible, crowd-pleasing winner. From its healthful ingredients to its savory, slow-cooked magic, this dish brings everyone around the table for a tasty, feel-good feast any time of day.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
