Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo Recipe
Mediterranean-inspired recipes always make me feel like I’m savoring a little slice of vacation, no matter the season. This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken with orzo is one of those dishes that delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when life gets busy but I still want to serve up something hearty and delicious. And let me tell you, it never disappoints—tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, briny olives, and perfectly cooked orzo come together like a symphony in a bowl. Trust me, this one’s worth bookmarking!
I first tried this recipe during a particularly busy week when I was juggling work deadlines and family obligations. I remember tossing the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, not expecting much. By dinnertime, the house was filled with the most mouthwatering aroma—a mix of simmering tomatoes, earthy herbs, and a hint of brininess from the olives. I served it straight from the slow cooker with a side of roasted broccoli, and it became an instant family favorite. Now, it’s a go-to when I want something that feels fancy but is actually low-maintenance. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for hosting or weeknight dinners alike.
A little taste of the Mediterranean
The flavors in this dish are inspired by the Mediterranean, a region known for its fresh, vibrant ingredients. From the sun-ripened tomatoes to the fragrant herbs, every bite feels like a nod to coastal living. Mediterranean cuisine has a way of combining simplicity with elegance, and this recipe is no different. While traditional recipes often simmer on the stovetop or bake in the oven, the slow cooker offers a modern twist, making it even easier to recreate those classic flavors at home.
Let’s talk ingredients: why they shine in this recipe
Every ingredient in this dish plays a key role, and they all work together beautifully to create a well-balanced meal.
- Chicken breasts: These are the protein-packed heart of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken chunks cook to tender perfection in the tomato sauce. If you’re out of chicken breasts, you can swap in boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
- Strained crushed tomatoes (tomato passata): The base of the sauce, these give the dish its rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor. If you can’t find passata, a can of crushed tomatoes blended until smooth works just as well.
- Herbs and seasoning: The Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence infuses the dish with aromatic flavors, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. If you prefer milder flavors, you can leave out the pepper flakes.
- Orzo: This tiny pasta is the perfect addition, soaking up the sauce and adding a satisfying texture. If orzo isn’t your thing, you could substitute it with couscous, quinoa, or even rice.
- Olives: These are the flavor bombs in the dish! Their briny, salty kick contrasts beautifully with the richness of the tomato sauce. I used green olives, but kalamata or black olives work just as well.
- Onion: It’s the unsung hero, providing a sweet, mellow base flavor as it cooks down in the sauce. Any type of onion works, but I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness.

The kitchen tools you’ll need
You don’t need a lot to make this recipe, which is one of the reasons I love it. A good slow cooker is the star here, allowing you to “set it and forget it.” If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven on low heat could work, but you’ll need to check and stir occasionally. A sharp knife for chopping the chicken and onion is a must, and a wooden spoon is perfect for stirring in the orzo. That’s pretty much it—simple tools for a simple recipe.
Step-by-step: cooking made easy
- Layer the ingredients: Start by spreading the onion quarters across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a natural base for the chicken to rest on and ensures the onions cook down into soft, sweet perfection. Lay the chicken chunks on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add the sauce: Pour the strained crushed tomatoes over the chicken and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Give everything a gentle stir so the chicken is evenly coated. Pop on the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic on high for 2 ½ hours. (Pro tip: Don’t peek! Keeping the lid on ensures steady cooking.)
- Incorporate the orzo and olives: After 2 ½ hours, the chicken will be tender, and the sauce will have thickened slightly. Stir in the orzo and olives, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Replace the lid and cook for another 30 minutes. The orzo will absorb the flavorful sauce and cook to the perfect al dente texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the orzo is cooked, give everything a final stir and serve it up. A side salad or roasted vegetables make excellent companions for this dish.

Customizing the recipe: make it your own
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-free: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of orzo. Add it at the very end to avoid overcooking.
- Vegan twist: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu, and opt for vegetable broth instead of tomato passata.
- Seasonal swaps: Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the slow cooker for extra veggies.
- International flair: For a Greek-inspired version, add a squeeze of lemon juice and crumble some feta cheese on top before serving.
Each variation brings its own personality to the dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Serving and presentation ideas
To serve, spoon the Mediterranean chicken and orzo onto plates or into bowls, ensuring everyone gets a bit of chicken, orzo, and olives. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted green beans to round out the meal. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What to drink with it
For drinks, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish, balancing the richness of the tomato sauce. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Merlot or Chianti works well. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a chilled herbal iced tea.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers are a blessing with this recipe because the flavors deepen as they sit. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the dish and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If freezing, skip the orzo initially and cook it fresh when reheating—the pasta can get mushy if frozen and thawed.
Scaling the recipe for any crowd
Cooking for a crowd? Simply double the ingredients, but be mindful of your slow cooker’s capacity—don’t overfill it! For smaller servings, halve the recipe, keeping the cooking times the same. Just be cautious not to overcook the chicken if the slow cooker has less to work with.
Potential hiccups and how to avoid them
- Orzo sticking to the bottom: Stir well after adding the orzo to avoid clumps or sticking.
- Sauce too thick: If the sauce seems overly thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Chicken drying out: Be sure to cut the chicken into large chunks and avoid overcooking.
Give it a try!
This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken with orzo is a flavorful, stress-free way to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy and indulgent while still being easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner. I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

FAQs
- Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through. - What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat and keep an eye on it. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! The dish reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. - How do I prevent the orzo from overcooking?
Add the orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking and check for doneness before serving. - What other olives can I use?
Kalamata or black olives are great substitutes. Just choose what you love!

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo Recipe
This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken with orzo is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (peeled and quartered)
- 3 large chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)
- 660 ml strained crushed tomatoes (tomato passata) (23 oz)
- 2 teaspoons Homemade Italian Seasoning (or Herbes de Provence)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup dried orzo
- 12–15 large olives
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients: Start by spreading the onion quarters across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a natural base for the chicken to rest on and ensures the onions cook down into soft, sweet perfection. Lay the chicken chunks on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add the sauce: Pour the strained crushed tomatoes over the chicken and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Give everything a gentle stir so the chicken is evenly coated. Pop on the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic on high for 2 ½ hours. (Pro tip: Don’t peek! Keeping the lid on ensures steady cooking.)
- Incorporate the orzo and olives: After 2 ½ hours, the chicken will be tender, and the sauce will have thickened slightly. Stir in the orzo and olives, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Replace the lid and cook for another 30 minutes. The orzo will absorb the flavorful sauce and cook to the perfect al dente texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the orzo is cooked, give everything a final stir and serve it up. A side salad or roasted vegetables make excellent companions for this dish.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
To serve, spoon the Mediterranean chicken and orzo onto plates or into bowls, ensuring everyone gets a bit of chicken, orzo, and olives. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted green beans to round out the meal. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: dinner