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–+ servings

Mediterranean-Style Slow Cooker Whole Chicken With Olives and Feta

Learn how to create a succulent Mediterranean-style whole chicken in your slow cooker, brimming with olives and feta cheese goodness!
Servings 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (For cooking the whole chicken to perfection.)
  • Measuring Spoons/Cups (For measuring ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and spices.)
  • Cutting Board (For prepping the chicken and other ingredients.)
  • Knife (For chopping vegetables and herbs.)
  • Serving Plate (For presenting the finished dish.)

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken whole, 3-4 pounds
  • 1 cup olives Kalamata, pitted
  • 1 cup tomatoes sun-dried, drained
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp oregano dried
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • parsley fresh, for garnish - optional

Instructions

  • Prepare Chicken With Seasonings
    The initial step in this flavorful journey involves preparing your chicken with a tantalizing blend of seasonings. You'll want to start by rinsing your whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This guarantees a clean canvas for your seasoning techniques to shine.
    Next, you'll create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that'll make your taste buds dance. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic mixture is your ticket to flavor town!
    Don't be shy – get your hands dirty and rub this seasoning blend all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Ever wondered why chefs massage their poultry? It's not just for show – this technique helps the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
    Ready to take your seasoning game to the next level? Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of sumac for an extra layer of complexity.
  • Add Olives and Tomatoes
    Once you've seasoned your chicken to perfection, it's time to lay the foundation for a truly Mediterranean experience. Grab your slow cooker and prepare to infuse your dish with the vibrant flavors of olives and tomatoes. But which varieties should you choose?
    For olives, you can't go wrong with Kalamata, the quintessential Greek olive. Their rich, meaty texture and slightly smoky flavor will elevate your dish. Want to mix it up? Try adding some green Castelvetrano olives for a buttery contrast.
    As for tomatoes, sun-dried are the way to go. Their intense, sweet-tart flavor will concentrate as they cook, infusing your chicken with Mediterranean sunshine.
    Spread a layer of these flavor powerhouses at the bottom of your slow cooker. This isn't just for taste – it'll also prevent your chicken from sticking.
    As the dish cooks, the olives and tomatoes will release their oils and juices, creating a mouthwatering sauce. Can you already imagine the aroma filling your kitchen?
    With this flavorful base, you're well on your way to mastering the art of Mediterranean slow cooking.
  • Place Chicken in Cooker
    With your flavorful base of olives and tomatoes in place, it's time to add the star of the dish. You've seasoned your chicken to perfection, haven't you?
    Now, let's harness the slow cooker benefits to transform it into a Mediterranean masterpiece.
    Gently lift your seasoned bird and place it atop the olive and tomato mixture. Can you imagine the aromas that'll soon fill your kitchen? As you nestle the chicken into its aromatic bed, remember that this placement is essential. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully during the long, slow cooking process.
    Have you considered how the chicken seasoning will infuse into the olives and tomatoes below?
    Before you close the lid, take a moment to admire your handiwork. You've set the stage for a culinary journey to the Mediterranean.
    As the slow cooker works its magic, you'll be free to go about your day. Isn't it amazing how such little effort can yield such spectacular results?
    In just a few hours, you'll return to a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed meal that'll transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece.
  • Cook on Low 6 Hours
    Now comes the essential step: setting your slow cooker to low and letting it work its magic for 6 hours. This is where the real flavor infusion begins, transforming your chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece.
    As the hours tick by, you'll notice the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen, a preview of the deliciousness to come.
    During this slow cooking process, the chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta. The low, steady heat breaks down the tough fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically falls off the bone.
    But remember, patience is key! Resist the urge to lift the lid and peek inside. Every time you do, you're letting precious heat escape, which can extend the cooking time.
    Have you ever wondered why slow-cooked meals taste so much better? It's all about the gradual melding of flavors.
    As the chicken simmers, it releases its own juices, creating a flavorful broth that further enhances the dish. By the end of the 6 hours, you'll have a perfectly cooked, Mediterranean-inspired meal that's sure to impress.
  • Add Feta Before Serving
    After the chicken has finished cooking, it's time to add the final touch of Mediterranean flair. You'll want to sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken just before serving. This adds a tangy, salty flavor that perfectly complements the tender meat and rich olive-tomato mixture.
    But why feta, you ask? Well, aside from its delicious taste, feta brings numerous benefits to your dish.
    Feta's creamy texture melts slightly when added to the warm chicken, creating a luxurious coating that enhances every bite. It's also packed with calcium and protein, making your meal even more nutritious.
    Here's a cooking tip: don't add the feta too early, or it'll lose its distinct texture and flavor. Instead, sprinkle it on just before you're ready to dig in.
    Want to take it up a notch? Try crumbling the feta by hand for a rustic look that'll impress your guests.
    Remember, the key to mastering this dish is in the details, and this final touch of feta is what transforms your slow-cooked chicken from delicious to extraordinary.
    Ready to serve?
  • Garnish With Fresh Herbs
    The final touch to elevate your Mediterranean-Style Slow Cooker Chicken is a vibrant garnish of fresh herbs. This simple step can transform your dish from delicious to extraordinary, adding both visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
    When it comes to garnishing techniques, consider sprinkling chopped herbs over the entire dish or arranging whole sprigs strategically for a more sophisticated presentation.
    For herb varieties, you can't go wrong with classic Mediterranean options like parsley, basil, or oregano. But why not experiment with some less common choices? Fresh mint can add a surprising brightness, while dill complements the lemony notes in the chicken.
    Remember, you're not just adding color; you're enhancing the overall flavor profile. As you garnish, think about balance. Don't overpower the dish with too many herbs, but don't be stingy either.
    Want to take it up a notch? Try combining different herbs for a more complex flavor. And here's a pro tip: save some herbs to add tableside, allowing your guests to customize their plates.
    Isn't it amazing how such a small detail can make such a big difference?

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 884mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 367IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 164kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Chicken dinner idea, Mediterranean chicken dishes, Mediterranean Whole Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipes