Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

🥘 Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

⏱ Prep Time

15 minutes

⏳ Cook Time

6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)

🍽 Serves

4–6

🧄 Ingredients

• 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 potatoes, cubed (or sweet potatoes)

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 bay leaf

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Optional: Kalamata olives or spinach (stir in at the end)

🍲 Instructions

1. Layer the slow cooker
   Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini to the slow cooker.

2. Season the chicken
   Toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, cumin, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Place on top of vegetables.

3. Add liquids & extras
   Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add chickpeas and bay leaf.

4. Slow cook

   • LOW: 6–8 hours

   • HIGH: 3–4 hours
     Until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.

5. Finish Mediterranean-style
   Stir in lemon juice, fresh herbs, and olives or spinach (if using). Remove bay leaf.

6. Taste & adjust
   Add more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty whole-grain bread, brown rice, or quinoa

• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sprinkle of feta cheese

• Perfect for meal prep — flavors deepen overnight!