Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Stew

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a healthy slow cooker meal that tastes like sunshine? honestly, who doesn't! this mediterranean chicken & chickpea stew is proper god mat , proper easy, and packed with flavour.

It's a right treat, and it doesn't take all day to cook!

Brief Overview

This stew is inspired by the sun-drenched cuisine of the mediterranean, it's proper scrummy. it's an easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.

It needs about 20 minutes prep, and then the best slow cooker does all the work. this recipe yields about 6 servings.

Main Benefits

One of the top benefits of this stew is its flat belly foods focus. it's lean protein and fibre-rich chickpeas will fill you up.

It's also ideal for saturday evening meals when you want something comforting but still healthy . what makes it special? the bright, fresh taste! the lemon and herbs make it irresistible.

Right, let's dive into the ingredients. i remember when i first tried a similar stew on holiday – oh my gosh! , so good! i knew i had to recreate it at home.

Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Stew Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:06 Hrs

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5ml) dried basil
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (6g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear chicken on both sides until lightly browned. (Optional)
• If not searing chicken, add the olive oil to the slow cooker, and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, chicken broth (and white wine, if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
• Nestled the seared chicken thighs (or uncooked, if skipping the searing step) into the vegetable mixture.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
• Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a lemon wedge.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:7g

Recipe Info

Category:Stew

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Let's talk Ingredients!

First, you'll need 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed. don't be shy with the olive oil, about 1 tbsp.

This adds that mediterranean taste. next, get a large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. chop them all up, ready to go.

Don't forget 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 red bell pepper.

Now, for the good stuff! grab a big can of crushed tomatoes, around 28 oz. one can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed, is essential.

Use 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. a splash of dry white wine, about 1/2 cup, adds depth – but you can use more broth if you prefer.

Dried oregano (1 tbsp) and dried basil (1 tsp) are our core herbs. a pinch of red pepper flakes, about 1/2 tsp, gives it a little kick.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. for garnish, fresh parsley (1/4 cup) and a lemon cut into wedges! you know, healthy crockpot recipes are really on trend now.

You can serve the stew with bread to dip in, or couscous. either way you will find a hearty dinner recipes crock pot .

This reminds me of those winter nights when all i wanted was a warm bowl of stew. and this one? it's a winner! it's like a hug in a bowl, but a healthy hug, you know? even the weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew is jealous of this hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe .

Let's get Cooking!

Alright, so the first thing is to heat the oil and sear the chicken. searing isn't essential, but it does add a lovely richness.

Think of it as giving your stew a posh makeover, like a try pot chicken dish. once you have seared it add your chopped ingredients to your crock pot soup and stew recipes

Once it's all ready, it's simply a matter of putting it all in the slow cooker. let it do its thing for 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.

The chicken will be lovely and tender. shred it, stir it back in, and serve. easy peasy! this will make you feel like you are having an easy trip, even on a budget.

And that's it! I hope you enjoy this healthy slow cooker recipes . It's one of my go-to pot recipes easy , and I'm sure it'll become one of yours too.

Now, go on, give it a whirl!

Right, let's dive into what you'll need. Get ready for a taste of the Mediterranean! We're making healthy slow cooker recipes accessible to everyone, even on those crazy weeknights.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Oh my gosh, the smell alone will transport you. Here's what you need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. opt for thighs; they stay juicy in the slow cooker, unlike breasts which can get dry.

  Honestly, it's a game-changer. quality chicken is key. look for plump, pink flesh, and avoid any with a funky smell.

• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil. Extra virgin, of course.

• 1 large onion, chopped. About 1 1/2 cups .

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. Should yield around 1 cup .

• 2 celery stalks, chopped. Aim for about 1 cup as well.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped. Roughly 1 cup .

• 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes. I prefer good quality plum tomatoes for the best flavour.

• 1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed. Rinse them well to get rid of that canned taste.

• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is the way to go.

• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine. Optional but adds a lovely depth. You could use extra broth instead. Don't use cooking wine though!

• 1 tbsp (15ml) dried oregano.

• 1 tsp (5ml) dried basil.

• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) red pepper flakes. This is optional.

• Salt and pepper. To taste, obviously!

• 1/4 cup (6g) chopped fresh parsley. For garnish.

• 1 lemon. Cut into wedges for serving.

This is a fantastic base for Low Cooker Chicken Recipes . Honestly, you can chuck it all in and forget about it, making it perfect for Saturday Evening Meals .

Seasoning Notes

This blend is the heart of this healthy slow cooker stew. Oregano and basil are classic Mediterranean herbs. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick.

For a flavour boost, try adding a bay leaf. a pinch of smoked paprika can add a smoky depth. smoked paprika is god mat .

No bay leaf? a teaspoon of dried thyme will work wonders.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. Here’s what you absolutely need:

• 6-quart slow cooker . The best slow cooker is one you already own!
• Large skillet. For browning the chicken (optional).
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don't have a skillet? skip the searing step. the stew will still be delicious. and you will save on washing up! no measuring spoons? just eyeball it.

We're not baking a cake here!

This hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe is perfect for those looking for weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew friendly options.

Plus, it's packed with flat belly foods . this is one of the pot recipes easy ! and a great example of how versatile crock pot soup and stew recipes can be.

So go ahead and try these healthy crockpot recipes .

I remember the first time i made something like this. i was trying to recreate a dish i had on holiday.

Didn't have a slow cooker so i had to use a dutch oven.

Right, let's dive into creating some healthy slow cooker recipes . you know, i used to think slow cookers were just for gloopy sauces and pulled pork.

Oh my gosh, was i wrong! it’s become one of my favorite ways to make dishes. we are gonna make my amazing mediterranean slow cooker chicken & chickpea stew.

Honestly, this recipe will transport you to the sun drenched mediterranean, even if you are in manchester on a wet tuesday.

Mediterranean Magic: Slow Cooker Style

Seriously, this isn't just any stew recipe crockpot . we're talking about a flavor explosion that's also packed with goodness. picture this: tender chicken, protein packed chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, and all those fragrant herbs simmering away while you get on with your day.

It's perfect for busy bees who want a hearty dinner recipes crock pot without the fuss.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, essential mise en place , let's get prepped! chop your onion (about 1 1/2 cups), carrots (about 1 cup), and celery (about 1 cup).

Mince four cloves of garlic. chop your red bell pepper (about 1 cup). measure out your spices. this setup will take about 20 minutes, making cooking easier.

Honestly, a little prep goes a long way.

Time-Saving Tip: I sometimes chop all my veg the night before. This makes life so much easier the next day!

Stew It Up: Step-by-Step Goodness

1. Sear, Baby, Sear! (Optional): Heat some olive oil in a skillet. Sear your chicken thighs on both sides. This adds serious flavour . It only takes a couple of minutes per side.
2. Aromatics Unite!: Whether you browned the chicken or not, add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to your best slow cooker. Cook for a few, until softened.
3. Garlic & Pepper Power: Stir in your minced garlic and bell pepper. One minute does it!.
4. Everything In!: Chuck in the crushed tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, low-sodium chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Maybe splash in 1/2 cup of white wine!
5. Chicken Time: Nestle your seared (or un-seared!) chicken thighs into that glorious mixture.
6. Slow Cook Time! : Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be super tender.
7. Shred It!: Take out the chicken, shred it with forks, and pop it back in.
8. Serve!: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with a lemon wedge. God mat as we say.

This is not only easy pot recipes , it's also designed to keep you healthy.

Pro Tips for the Win!

• Don't overcook! Overcooked chicken can get dry in a slow cooker. Check it near the end.
• Searing really does add a depth of flavour. Trust me on this one.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste. More red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!

Honestly, this hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe is a game-changer for saturday evening meals . it's the perfect healthy crockpot recipes solution, especially if you're after weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew or just some good flat belly foods .

Plus, it’s easily adaptable - try it as a dry pot chicken variation sometime! so there you have it! your new go to recipe for healthy slow cooker recipes , and perfect for the colder days, beacuse it makes your bones stronger.

Right, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom about this Mediterranean healthy slow cooker recipes gem. Honestly, this ain’t just chuck-it-in-the-pot kinda stuff. A few extra touches really make it sing.

Recipe Notes

This stew isn't just about the ingredients, is about bringing some joy and flavour to your Saturday evening meals with minimum effort.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Feast!

Honestly, the presentation can elevate this so much. think about it: a rustic bowl, a drizzle of good olive oil, a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.

.. chef's kiss! for sides, crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce. or, if you're feeling fancy, a side of couscous or quinoa works a treat.

Why not offer some god mat to your loved ones.

Complementary sides? a simple green salad with a zingy lemon dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. and, if you're after a healthy crockpot vibe, skip the bread and load up on the veggies.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even just sparkling water with lemon will do the trick.

Storage Tips: Save Some For Later!

Refrigeration is easy. this will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. this makes hearty dinner recipes crock pot .

I've found that day-old stew is even more flavourful, the flavors meld together and become even richer.

Freezing? absolutely! let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. it'll keep for up to 3 months.

Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen. defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is a doddle. either microwave it until piping hot, or gently simmer it on the stovetop. add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

Safety first! make sure it's heated through properly before serving.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Dietary adaptations are totally doable. for a weight watchers slow cooker chicken stew , use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to cut down on fat.

Or, for a pot recipes easy meal that is veggie-friendly, skip the chicken altogether and load up on extra veggies like diced aubergine and courgette.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, of course.

Seasonal ingredient swaps? in winter, chuck in some root veg like parsnips or swede. in summer, add some fresh tomatoes and courgette.

Experiment with different herbs too. rosemary or thyme would be lovely additions. dry pot chicken and stew recipe crockpot versions can be equally exciting with these changes.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl!

This hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe is packed with goodness. it is also great for people doing flat belly foods diet.

We're talking lean protein from the chicken, fibre from the chickpeas, and loads of vitamins and minerals from the veggies.

It's a proper healthy slow cooker meal, and it will keep you full and satisfied.

Chickpeas are also brilliant for people looking to lose weight . It's a great source of protein and also complex carbohydrates, so it helps you to feel fuller longer.

Each serving of this is approximately 350 calories, 35g of protein, 15g of fat, 25g of carbs, and 7g of fibre.

But remember, this is just an estimate. the best crockpot recipes slow cooker are the ones you adjust to your needs.

So, there you have it! all the extra bits and bobs to make this best slow cooker mediterranean chicken & chickpea stew a total winner.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. trust me, once you try this, you'll be hooked! forget takeaway!