Slow Cooker Lemon and Olive Chicken

I went back to work this week after being off for two months.  It was nice catching up with old friends and also meeting new ones. I will surely miss my morning walks and the extra time that I had for gardening and cooking. I am glad that over the summer, I had a chance to start using my slow cooker to make meals for my family. That is why I feel that making dinner during workdays won’t be as challenging.  I will only have to do the final stage of cooking when I get home after work and dinner is ready. Lemon and olive chicken is one of the dishes that I made using a slow cooker.  In this slow cooker lemon and olive chicken, the chicken pieces were slowly cooked for 6 hours over a mixture of vegetables, spices, broth and water. Lastly, a mixture of flour, cooking liquid and lemon juice was used to thicken the sauce. This tasty dish is good on its own or with steamed rice. Delicious! 😀

Cooking Tips for Perfect Lemon and Olive Chicken

To make sure your lemon and olive chicken comes out perfectly tender, choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. These cuts stay juicy during the slow cooking process. If you prefer a lighter dish, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well but may need a little less cooking time. For optimal flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds depth to the dish and enhances the overall taste. When layering the ingredients, place the vegetables at the bottom. They act as a cushion for the chicken and soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook. Don’t skip the herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary elevate the dish significantly. If you use dried herbs, reduce the amount since they are more concentrated. Finally, adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model. Some cook faster than others, so check the chicken for doneness at the 5-hour mark, especially if you are using smaller pieces.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This lemon and olive chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed basmati rice or fluffy couscous are great options to soak up the rich sauce. For a healthier twist, serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or mixed greens. If you want to add some crunch, a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish nicely. To mix things up, consider adding olives to the slow cooker for an extra burst of flavor. Green or black olives work well, so choose based on your preference. For a Mediterranean flair, toss in artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes. If you want a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish without overwhelming the lemony goodness. Experiment with different vegetables, too. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms can add texture and flavor. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of green olives?

If you’re not a fan of green olives, you can swap them out for black olives or even capers for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste of the dish.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will be good for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to three months if you want to enjoy this dish later.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning, and it’ll be ready by dinner time.

What should I serve with lemon and olive chicken?

This dish pairs really well with steamed rice or couscous to soak up that delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a light salad also complements it nicely.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

One common mistake is not browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Skipping this step can lead to a less flavorful dish, so take a few minutes to sear it for better results.

Slow Cooker Lemon and Olive Chicken

Liza A

Enjoy tender chicken slow-cooked with zesty lemon, briny olives, and a medley of veggies for a flavorful, hassle-free meal that warms the soul.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 to 8 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 ribs celery chopped
• 1 bulb fennel cored and chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 16 large stuffed green olives
• 4 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 cup sodium-reduced chicken broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated zest of 1 Lemon

Instructions

 

• In slow cooker, combine carrots, celery, fennel, onion, olives, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, salt and pepper.
• Arrange chicken pieces on top of vegetables. Add broth and 3/4 cup water. Cover and cook on low until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, 5-1/2 to 6 hours. Discard bay leaves.
• Whisk flour with 1 cup of the cooking liquid until smooth; whisk in lemon juice. Whisk into slow cooker; cook, covered, on high until thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Mix parsley with lemon zest; serve sprinkled over chicken mixture.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe source: canadianliving.com

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Keyword chicken, easy dinner, lemon, olives, slow cooker

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