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Slow cooker Mediterranean chicken and orzo with spinach, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta.
Dr. J’s Kitchen

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

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Tender chicken, orzo and spinach cook with tomatoes, Kalamata olives and marinated artichoke hearts for a flavorful Mediterranean-style slow cooker dinner.
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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • ¾ cup Kalamata olives halved
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes include juice
  • 1 7.75–8-ounce jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts include juice
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 5-ounce package fresh spinach
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning Dr. J’s recipe is included in the notes, or use your favorite
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to season chicken
  • ground black pepper to season chicken
  • feta crumbles optional topping
  • fresh parsley chopped; optional topping

Equipment

  • 10-quart slow cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Add the sliced onion, Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes with their juice, artichoke hearts with their juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker insert. Stir to combine.
  2. Nestle the chicken breasts into the slow cooker mixture. Season the tops with additional kosher salt and ground black pepper, then cover.
  3. Cook on Low for 3 hours or on High for 1½ hours. During the final 45 minutes on Low, or final 20 minutes on High, remove the chicken to a plate. Stir the orzo and spinach into the slow cooker mixture.
  4. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover and cook for the remaining time, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve with optional feta crumbles and chopped fresh parsley.

Video

Notes

Dr. J’s Dried Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
Mix together and store in an airtight container.
Timing note: Add the orzo and spinach during the final 45 minutes on Low or final 20 minutes on High.

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