Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken & Chickpea Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Sunshine in a Bowl! healthy slow cooker recipes

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a Mediterranean getaway without leaving your kitchen? These healthy slow cooker recipes will transport you! Think sun-kissed flavours and melt-in-your mouth chicken. Honestly, is there anything better?

Brief Overview

This slow cooker mediterranean chicken & chickpea stew is a god mat . it’s inspired by the vibrant cuisine of the mediterranean.

This stew recipe crockpot is super easy to make. it is done in about 6- 8 hours on low, or 3- 4 hours on high.

This serves about 6 people.

Main Benefits

One of the main benefits is all that flat belly foods , like chickpeas and lean chicken! this stew is perfect for a saturday evening meals that is hearty and satisfying.

What makes this recipe special? its amazing flavour and how easy it is to whip up. i mean, who doesn't love a good hearty dinner recipes crock pot ?

A Sunshine Filled Stew: My Story

Right, so let's talk about this stew. i first made this after a particularly dreary london week. i was dreaming of sunshine, you know? needed a little something to brighten things up.

Honestly, throwing everything into the slow cooker was a revelation . it's proper healthy crockpot recipes .

Why This Recipe Works Wonders

This recipe is a winner for a few reasons. first off, it is hands off! throw everything in the slow cooker.

Let the magic happen. secondly, it is incredibly versatile. swap out ingredients to suit your taste. chickpeas are a super star.

Full of fibre and protein. this is a really hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe .

Ingredients You'll Need: Your Mediterranean Shopping List

Alright, let's gather our bits. you will need chicken thighs, some chopped veg. also you must have canned tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives.

Don’t forget those sun-dried tomatoes! they add a real depth of flavour. you can use low cooker chicken recipes or crock pot soup and stew recipes .

If you are on a weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew , this is your recipe!

The Method: Simplicity at its Finest

Okay, here’s the lowdown on how to actually make the thing. first, chop your chicken into bite sized chunks. if you’re feeling fancy, brown the chicken.

This is optional. throw everything into the slow cooker. cover. cook on low for 6- 8 hours. let all those flavours get to know each other.

Before serving, stir in some fresh parsley and lemon juice. season to taste. serve hot. this is one of the best slow cooker healthy slow cooker recipes and you are going to be grateful you tried it.

Enjoy your healthy crockpot version of pot recipes easy jambalaya .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing slow cooker mediterranean chicken & chickpea stew . it's going to be epic.

I reckon that you'll find the process very simple and easy.

Ingredients & Equipment

Listen, you won’t believe how simple this is. This healthy slow cooker recipe is a winner. Trust me, your Saturday evening meals just got a whole lot easier.

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut up. Now, for the Low Cooker Chicken Recipes , fresh chicken thighs will give you the best flavour and tenderness. Look for ones that are plump and pink.
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil.
  • 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp).
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (around 1 cup/150g).
  • 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes.
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained.
  • ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved.
  • ½ cup (70g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped.
  • 1 tbsp (8g) dried oregano.
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried basil.
  • ½ tsp (2.5g) red pepper flakes (optional).
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens! oregano and basil are your base. the red pepper flakes? totally optional, but i like a bit of kick.

For a nice twist and to avoid using industrial bullion based broth, try adding dried mushroom powder to enhance the umami.

This is perfect for weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew .

Equipment Needed

You'll only need a few bits and bobs for this recipe. Honest!

  • A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is essential, obviously! This is going to be your best slow cooker for recipes just like this one!.
  • A large skillet (optional). This is only if you fancy browning the chicken first. You don't NEED to do it, but it does add something special. It is really awesome for the dry pot chicken.
  • The usual suspects: cutting board, knife, measuring cups and spoons. Most kitchens got it!

Healthy crockpot recipes like this are seriously underrated. this one fits perfectly with any flat belly foods diet plan. it's also great for weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew ! you should try also to cook a stew recipe crockpot using the same ingredients.

Alright, let's get this healthy slow cooker recipes article going, shall we? honestly, there's nothing quite like coming home to a god mat simmering away in the kitchen.

Today we are going to discuss slow cooker mediterranean chicken & chickpea stew: sunshine in a bowl! . i feel it is the taste of the mediterranean right in your house.

I like to start my saturday evening meals this way!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mediterranean Slow Cooker Journey Starts Here

Before we dive in, let's get our ducks in a row. mise en place, folks! that means gathering all your ingredients and chopping them up.

It's like prepping your canvas before painting, you know?

The Essential Mise en Place

First, chop 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite sized pieces. then chop 1 large onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic , and dice 1 red bell pepper .

Get your 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 oz) can of drained and rinsed chickpeas , ½ cup of halved kalamata olives , and ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes ready to roll.

Measure out 1 tablespoon of dried oregano , 1 teaspoon of dried basil , and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!).

Finally, pour out 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. honestly, it’s like a mini mediterranean garden party in your kitchen.

Organisation is Life

Pro tip: Chop everything while the kettle boils for a cuppa. You can get everything done in a quick 20 minutes.

Sunshine in a Bowl: The step-by-step

This recipe is super simple, even if you're not exactly a culinary genius, LOL. Remember to always stay safe when cutting your ingredients.

  1. Chicken Prep: Cut your chicken thighs into 1 inch pieces.

  2. Optional browning: heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan. brown the chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. it’s not mandatory, but trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavour.

    Think of it like giving your low cooker chicken recipes a tan.

  3. Slow Cooker Time: Chuck the chicken into your slow cooker.

  4. Layer of goodness: dump in the chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken broth.

    This is where the magic happens, honestly.

  5. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . You'll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork tender.

  6. Finishing Touches: Stir in ¼ cup fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons lemon juice .

  7. Serve: Now that we're ready to go, serve it, with Crumbled feta cheese on top.

Pot Recipes Easy ? My Pro Tips

Here are some tips I've picked up from my own experiences.

  • Browning Bonus: Yes, browning the chicken adds flavour. But if you're short on time, just skip it! No biggie.
  • Don't Peek! Seriously, resist the urge to lift the lid. It prolongs the cooking time. Honestly, just leave it be and let the slow cooker do its thing.
  • Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning. It might need a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten things up. Think this stew recipe crockpot, like a blank canvas for your taste buds.
  • make-ahead Magic: This stew is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

I reckon this hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe is a winner, especially if you're watching your waistline. it’s a great option for weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew and fits right in with flat belly foods , because it's packed with protein and veggies.

Plus, it's just so darn comforting, it makes for a perfect hearty dinner recipes crock pot , without the extra effort, that you may as well call it best slow cooker recipe

So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and healthy crockpot recipes to brighten your day. If you're looking for Healthy Slow Cooker , Healthy Crockpot , or even something like a Dry Pot Chicken but without all the fuss, this is it!

And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try adding a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a bit of Jambalaya flavour? Bon appétit, my friend!

Recipe Notes for Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece

Right, so you’re ready to whip up this slow cooker mediterranean chicken & chickpea stew ? ace! here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it’s absolutely banging.

Seriously, this is one of those healthy slow cooker recipes that’ll have everyone begging for more.

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro

Okay, presentation time! think sunshine on a plate. honestly, just piling it in a bowl is fine, but a bit of flair never hurt anyone, right? i like to serve mine in a shallow bowl.

A sprinkle of extra feta (because, why not?), a swirl of olive oil and a sprig of fresh parsley makes it look like something from god mat magazine.

Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that yummy sauce. it would pair well with a simple green salad, too.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers i swear, this stuff disappears fast in my house! then bung it in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days no worries. fancy freezing it? go for it! let it cool completely first, then portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months.

When reheating, just thaw it out overnight in the fridge and then heat it up on the hob or in the microwave.

Easy peasy.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Fancy a bit of a change? No probs.

  • Veggie Vibes : For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and throw in some halloumi or extra chickpeas. Zucchini and eggplant work brilliantly too.
  • Spice It Up : Feeling brave? A pinch of cayenne or a chopped chilli will add a lovely kick. I personally like a small amount of red pepper flakes!

You could try using turkey or White beans. The choice is yours.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This isn't just tasty, it’s good for you too! we are talking about healthy slow cooker meals here. this stew is packed with protein and fibre, thanks to the chicken and chickpeas.

It also has loads of vitamins from the veggies. you know, flat belly foods!. each serving is roughly 350 calories (give or take), with a decent whack of protein (around 30g).

It's a winner if you are looking for weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew recipes.

Go Forth and Cook!

So, there you have it! all the tips and tricks to make this crock pot soup and stew recipes a total triumph.

Don’t be scared to experiment and make it your own. and remember, the most important ingredient is love! happy cooking, you legend! these hearty dinner recipes crock pot will become a saturday evening meal favorite.

You could even try making dry pot chicken !. there's a bunch of delicious stew recipe crockpot options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these healthy slow cooker recipes ahead of time? I'm always rushed off my feet!

Absolutely! This Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

In fact, the flavors often meld together even better overnight it's like letting the ingredients have a good old natter!

Is it really necessary to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker? I'm all about saving time!

Browning the chicken adds a lovely depth of flavour and caramelisation, but it's totally optional! If you're short on time, skip it. The stew will still be delicious, just a little less intense.

Think of it as choosing between driving the scenic route and taking the motorway both get you to your destination, just in slightly different ways.

How can I adapt this recipe if I don't have chicken thighs on hand? Can I use chicken breast?

You can definitely use chicken breast, but keep in mind it tends to dry out more easily in the slow cooker. If you do, I recommend reducing the cooking time by about an hour or two on low, or even less on high.

Also, consider shredding the chicken breast into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too tough. It's a bit like making sure your cuppa doesn't brew for too long!

What's the best way to store leftovers, and how long will the stew last?

Leftovers are your friend! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through, just like your nan always told you!

It's a great way to have a healthy, homemade meal ready when you need it.

Can I add more vegetables to this healthy slow cooker recipes? I'm trying to pack in as many as possible!

Absolutely, load it up! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add chopped zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers along with the other vegetables. You could also throw in some spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a boost of vitamins. Think of it as giving your stew a good dose of the 5-a-day!

Is there anything I can do to make this stew a bit thicker? It seems a little watery.

A couple of options here. You can remove about a cup of the liquid from the slow cooker towards the end of cooking, and simmer it in a saucepan on the stove until it reduces and thickens slightly. Then, stir it back into the stew.

Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and stir that into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Like adding a touch of gravy granules to make your Sunday roast just right!

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Chickpea Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Sunshine in a Bowl! healthy slow cooker recipes Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:06 Hrs
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories350 calories
Fat15g
Fiber7g

Recipe Info:

CategoryStew
CuisineMediterranean

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