Description
Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken with Feta and Spinach is an effortless slow-cooked dish combining juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, kalamata olives, and traditional Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful, nutritious meal offers a vibrant Mediterranean twist with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
Dairy
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils & Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and slice the onion and garlic cloves. Rinse the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry. Crumble the feta cheese so it’s ready to add at the end. This quick prep will streamline your cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Quickly sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base of the dish before slow cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crock pot. Pour diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. This ensures the spices and juices infuse the meat during the slow cooking process.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the Mediterranean flavors, while the tomatoes create a rich sauce.
- Add Spinach and Feta: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Cover the crock pot again—this allows the spinach to wilt and the feta to soften without losing its creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is heated through and combined, your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken with Feta and Spinach is ready to be served alongside your favorite sides or garnishes.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor during slow cooking.
- Don’t add spinach too early to avoid mushiness; add near the end for best texture.
- Add feta cheese last to maintain its creamy, tangy character.
- Place chicken on the bottom of the crock pot to absorb maximum flavor from sauce and spices.
- Use fresh herbs when possible to brighten the dish and elevate taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken thigh with sauce and spinach)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg