Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean? Our Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Marbella is not just a meal; it's an experience bursting with vibrant flavors and aromas that will transport your taste buds straight to a charming seaside tavern. With just 20 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the hard work, this dish serves up tender chicken thighs and drumsticks, perfectly infused with the rich essence of olives, prunes, and capers. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Dive into this delightful recipe and discover the magic of Mediterranean cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives
- 1/2 cup prunes
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, pitted green olives, prunes, and capers. Whisk the ingredients together to create a marinade.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the rich Mediterranean flavors.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Optional: For a more caramelized finish, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until the skin becomes slightly crispy.
- Serve hot, spooning the extra olives, prunes, and sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano if desired.
Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil, olives, prunes, and capers for a couple of hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors even more!
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For the best results, stick with bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks. The bones add flavor and moisture, making the chicken incredibly tender.
- Layering is Key: When placing the chicken in the slow cooker, try to arrange the pieces in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and allows the marinade to coat each piece effectively.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a delightful contrast of textures, consider broiling the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking. This will give the skin a beautiful golden crispiness that pairs perfectly with the tender meat.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the presentation.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Mediterranean Chicken Marbella with crusty bread, couscous, or a fresh salad to complete the meal and soak up all the delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
