Description
Mediterranean magic unfolds as slow cooker mediterranean chicken with orzo delivers a symphony of Greek-inspired flavors. Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked orzo create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)
- 660 ml (23 oz) strained crushed tomatoes (tomato passata)
- 1/2 cup dried orzo
- 12–15 large olives
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion (peeled and quartered)
- 2 teaspoons homemade Italian seasoning (or Herbes de Provence)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker foundation by arranging onion quarters across the bottom, creating a flavorful base for the chicken. Position chicken chunks directly on top of the onions, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cascade strained crushed tomatoes over the chicken, sprinkling Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes evenly. Gently mix to ensure complete sauce coverage. Secure the lid and cook on high temperature for 2½ hours without interrupting the cooking process.
- After the initial cooking period, the chicken will be fork-tender and sauce slightly condensed. Introduce orzo and olives into the slow cooker, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients uniformly. Replace lid and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until orzo reaches perfect tenderness.
- Once orzo is fully cooked, thoroughly blend all components within the slow cooker. Transfer the Mediterranean-inspired chicken and orzo mixture to serving dishes, creating a vibrant and aromatic meal. Consider complementing with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete dining experience.
Notes
- Always use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent potential bacterial growth.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, using less for mild preference or more for extra heat.
- For a gluten-free version, swap orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to maintain the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg