Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables
Looking for a wholesome and flavorful meal? This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables recipe is an excellent choice. The mediterranean slow cooker recipes focus keyphrase is a perfect fit as this dish blends tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, all cooked slowly to perfection. Ideal for meal prep, it pairs beautifully with couscous and pita bread, highlighting the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean.
Yield and Cooking Time
Total time required: 6 hrs 25 mins
Prep: 30 mins, Cook: 5 hrs 20 mins, Additional: 35 mins
Servings: 8, Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
12 marinated artichoke hearts, drained
4 large carrots, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, halved
1 (3 inch) piece cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed
1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
½ pound green beans, trimmed and halved
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro
3 cups water
2 cups couscous
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Prepping the Ingredients
Firstly, gather all your ingredients. Start by removing the skin from the chicken thighs. This will help reduce the fat content, making it a healthier option. Next, chop the carrots and the sweet onion, ensuring even sizes for equal cooking.
Seasoning the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the ground turmeric, ground ginger, ground coriander, salt, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this spice mixture.
Cooking the Aromatics
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and halved garlic cloves. Sauté them until they are fragrant and slightly golden. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the flavor.
Layering the Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken thighs on top. Then, layer the chopped carrots, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and green beans. Place the cinnamon stick amidst the layers for a subtle warm flavor.
Slow Cooking the Dish
Pour 3 cups of water over the layered ingredients. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 5 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken absorbs the Mediterranean flavors while staying juicy and tender.
Preparing the Couscous
About 20 minutes before the chicken is ready, start preparing the couscous. In a separate pot, boil an equal proportion of water and couscous. Once boiled, cover it and remove from the heat, allowing it to fluff.
Final Touches
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the red bell pepper and coarsely chopped cilantro to the slow cooker. These vibrant ingredients add brightness and additional nutrients to your dish.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Recipe
Aromatic and Flavorful
Above all, this dish boasts rich aromas from a delightful mix of spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin. They not only provide warmth but also contribute several health benefits.
Nutritious Ingredients
This recipe is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and artichokes, offering a substantial dose of vitamins and minerals. The chickpeas introduce plant-based protein and fiber, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
Healthier Cooking Options
For a healthier twist, you can consider cooking the dish on a stovetop with additional olive oil spray. This method will add extra layers of flavor to your Mediterranean chicken without compromising its nutritional value.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
After that, portion the leftovers into separate containers for easy meal planning through the week. The flavors deepen as the dish rests, making leftovers equally, if not more, delicious.
Wrapping Up Your Mediterranean Meal
In conclusion, this Mediterranean slow cooker recipe is an elegant and easy way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal. With such simplicity and taste combined, it’s surely a dish you’ll return to often. Certainly, it perfectly aligns with the Mediterranean diet yet brings a cozy comfort food experience to your table.
