Briny Mediterranean flavors like olives and capers remind me of the ocean. I never get sick of them. This simple chicken dish makes the most of flavorful tomatoes, olives and capers, which provide a bounty of flavors and textures that make this simple-to-prepare recipe feel complex.
I love cooking with herbs, and many of them compliment Mediterranean flavors. For this dish I use a mixture dried herbs at the beginning for a more deeply infused flavor and fresh herbs as a garnish. This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or even pasta, but the onions, peppers and potatoes make it substantial enough so that it’s a perfect meal straight out of the pot if you don’t feel like making a side. I have a tough time digesting onions, but I’ve included them in this recipe because they’re a classic component; it tastes great with or without them. The leftovers are perfect for making wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
Mediterranean chicken
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
2 1/2 lbs. (675 g) whole boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
1 teaspoon (8 g) sea salt
2 bell peppers, diced
1 large sweet onion, diced
3 large red potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon (1 g) dried oregano
1/2 (.5 g) teaspoon allspice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 28 oz. (800 g) can whole tomatoes
1 tablespoon (15 ml) white wine vinegar
1/4 cup (45 g) capers
1/2 cup (45 g) black or Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon (1 g) fresh parsley and/or mint, chopped
Directions1. Use olive oil to grease a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add chicken and sprinkle with salt. Top with peppers, onions, potatoes, oregano, allspice, and garlic.
3. Dump tomatoes and juice into a large bowl and crush roughly with hands, pour them, juices and all, into the slow cooker. Then add vinegar, capers and olives on top.
5. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, until chicken is cooked through. remove lid and stir. Serve plain or over a bed of couscous, rice or pasta. Top with fresh herbs.
Pro tip: For a delicious cheesy twist, after chicken is cooked, open crockpot and stir, then top with 1 cup of feta cheese and recover for 10 minutes before serving.
