Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken with Artichokes, Dried Tomatoes & Olives (Plus Instant Pot Option!)
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken featuring tender artichoke hearts, savory dried tomatoes, and briny whole olives. Whether you opt for the convenience of an all-day slow cook or the speed of an Instant Pot, this versatile dish promises a satisfying meal served perfectly over noodles or rice, crowned with fresh Parmesan and parsley.
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An Effortless Weeknight Dinner: Mediterranean-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken
Imagine a meal that cooks itself while you go about your day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma, and culminating in a dish so rich and flavorful, it tastes like you spent hours slaving in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Chicken with Artichokes, Dried Tomatoes, and Olives is exactly that. It’s designed for modern life, offering both a “set-it-and-forget-it” slow cooker method and a rapid Instant Pot option, ensuring a delicious dinner is always within reach, regardless of your schedule.
This savory chicken dish features succulent chicken pieces bathed in a vibrant tomato sauce, beautifully accented by the distinct tastes of tangy artichoke hearts, intensely flavored dried tomatoes, and briny whole olives. The combination creates a robust, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a busy weeknight to a relaxed weekend gathering. When generously spooned over a bed of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or even low-carb cauliflower rice, and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, it transforms into a complete and hearty dinner that satisfies even the most demanding appetites.
The Culinary Journey: Crafting This Flavorful Chicken Recipe
This particular recipe was born out of a delightful experiment to merge the best elements of several good-but-not-quite-perfect dishes. My goal was to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that was both distinctive and universally appealing, primarily using ingredients I already had readily available in my pantry. What emerged was a true revelation: the marriage of tender chicken with the bright, slightly sweet notes of dried tomatoes and the earthy, tart bite of artichokes proved to be an exceptional pairing.
The addition of whole olives introduces a delightful saltiness and textural contrast, rounding out the dish beautifully. This unique combination elevates simple chicken into something extraordinary, making it an instant “keeper” in my recipe collection – one I knew I had to share with fellow home cooks. It’s proof that sometimes, the most cherished and delicious recipes come from playful experimentation and the intelligent use of a well-stocked pantry.
Mastering Artichoke Texture: A Key Cooking Tip
Through countless slow-cooking experiments, I’ve discovered a crucial tip for incorporating artichokes into any dish: timing is everything when it comes to preserving their delightful texture. For most slow cooker recipes, adding artichokes at the very beginning can lead to them breaking down completely, leaving you with little more than stringy shards after hours of simmering. To ensure they retain their shape and provide a pleasant bite, it’s best to stir them in during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This allows them to warm through and absorb the delicious flavors without becoming overly soft or disintegrating.
The same principle applies when using a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, though the execution is even simpler. Since pressure cooking is so rapid, artichokes can be stirred in *after* the main cooking cycle is complete and the pressure has been released. The residual heat from the tender chicken and savory sauce will gently warm the artichokes in just a few minutes, ensuring they remain firm yet tender. This small adjustment makes a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of the dish, highlighting the artichokes as distinct bursts of flavor and texture.
Core Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Chicken Feast
One of the beauties of this recipe for slow cooker chicken with artichokes, dried tomatoes, and olives is its reliance on common, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. It’s a testament to good pantry management and the joy of creating delicious, homemade meals from scratch.
- Bone-in Chicken Pieces: We recommend using bone-in chicken such as thighs, drumsticks, or a combination. Bone-in cuts impart more flavor to the sauce and tend to stay exceptionally moist during longer cooking times. For the slow cooker, removing the skin is generally preferred as it can become rubbery; however, for the Instant Pot, you have the option to brown the skin first for added crispness.
- Aromatic Spices: A simple yet effective blend of sweet paprika (feel free to use smoked or hot paprika for a different twist), dried basil, salt, and black pepper forms the aromatic foundation of this dish, adding warmth and depth to the Mediterranean flavors.
- Thickening Agent: For the slow cooker method, all-purpose flour helps create a naturally rich and velvety sauce. When using a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, potato starch or cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water is added at the end, as flour can clump under high pressure.
- Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These concentrated flavor bombs are a game-changer, providing an intense burst of sweet and tangy tomato flavor. If your dried tomatoes are not packed in oil, ensure you rehydrate them prior to use. Learn more about drying and storing tomatoes in oil here.
- Medium Onion & Fresh Garlic: The classic aromatic base, providing essential savory notes that deepen the sauce’s complexity. Always chop your onion finely and mince your garlic for optimal flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Chicken Broth & Optional Red Wine: Chicken broth adds the necessary liquid for simmering and a foundational savory taste. A splash of dry red wine (like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) for the slow cooker introduces another layer of sophisticated complexity; it’s entirely optional and can be substituted with more broth, especially for the pressure cooker, as wine doesn’t evaporate as effectively under pressure.
- Tomato Paste: A small can of concentrated tomato paste is crucial. It significantly boosts the umami and richness of the tomato sauce, making it incredibly robust and deeply flavorful without adding excess liquid.
- Quartered Artichoke Hearts: Whether canned (drained) or frozen (thawed), quartered artichoke hearts contribute a distinct tangy and earthy flavor, as well as a pleasant textural element. Remember our earlier tip about adding them towards the end of cooking!
- Canned Whole Olives: Canned whole olives, such as black or Kalamata varieties, are essential for their briny, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the chicken. They add a wonderful Mediterranean character.
- Serving Foundation: Cooked pasta (noodles, orzo), fluffy white or brown rice, or a lighter option like cauliflower rice provides the perfect, absorbent canvas for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce.
- Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley are optional but highly recommended. They add a final flourish of savory, salty, and herbaceous notes, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
Keeping these “real food” ingredients stocked in your pantry means a hearty, homemade meal is always just a few simple steps away, ready to be transformed into this delightful chicken with artichokes and olives.
Essential Equipment for This Versatile Recipe
Whether you’re a devoted slow cooker enthusiast or an Instant Pot aficionado, having the right tools makes meal preparation a breeze. For this versatile recipe, you’ll need one of the following primary cooking appliances:
If you’re embracing the slow and steady method for deep flavor development, a 4-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal. This size ensures ample space for all the chicken, vegetables, and sauce to simmer beautifully without overcrowding. This is the brand I personally use and highly recommend for its reliability, consistent heat distribution, and overall durability, making it a true workhorse in any kitchen.
For those times when speed is of the essence, a multi-functional pressure cooker like an Instant Pot is your best friend. My personal preference is an updated version of the Instant Pot I own; you can find the latest model here. Its ability to pressure cook rapidly, often coupled with a sauté function, provides incredible flexibility and significantly reduces cooking time without compromising flavor.
Beyond the main appliance, you’ll also need standard kitchen tools such as a large bowl for mixing ingredients, accurate measuring cups and spoons, and a sharp chef’s knife for efficiently chopping vegetables. Having these basic kitchen essentials ready will streamline your cooking process, leading to a stress-free and enjoyable culinary experience.
Simple Steps to a Delicious Meal: Directions for Both Methods
The beauty of this chicken with artichokes, dried tomatoes, and olives recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and remarkable adaptability. Whether you have the luxury of several hours to let flavors meld slowly in a slow cooker or require a piping hot meal in mere minutes with an Instant Pot, the preparation process is straightforward and yields equally delicious results. This inherent ease of preparation is precisely why these cooking methods have seen such a resurgence in popularity – they genuinely make wholesome, homemade meal prep enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Preparing Your Chicken: Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot Techniques
- For the Slow Cooker Method: Begin by coating your chicken pieces thoroughly with a mixture of flour and aromatic spices (paprika, basil, salt, and pepper). The flour acts as a gentle thickening agent, which will contribute to a rich, luscious sauce as the chicken slowly cooks throughout the day. If you’re using bone-in chicken with the skin on, I highly recommend skinning the chicken first. Slow cooking tends to render chicken skin soft and unappealingly rubbery, and removing it ensures a much more pleasant texture in your finished dish. For expert guidance on how to prepare your chicken, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to cut a whole chicken into pieces, which is perfect for recipes like this.
- For the Instant Pot Method: When preparing for the Instant Pot, skip the flour when coating the chicken. Flour does not perform well under the high-pressure environment of an Instant Pot and can lead to a gummy sauce or even trigger an unwelcome “burn” notice. Instead, simply coat the chicken generously with the dry spices. If a thicker sauce is desired, you can easily achieve this at the end of the cooking cycle by adding a slurry of cornstarch or potato starch mixed with cold water.
PRO TIP for Chicken Skin: As mentioned, I typically remove the skin for slow cooker recipes to avoid the rubbery texture. However, with an Instant Pot, you have more flexibility! If your pressure cooker features a sauté function (most modern models do), you can achieve beautifully crispy skin. Simply brown the chicken pieces skin-side down in a tablespoon of oil for about 4 minutes per side before pressure cooking. After browning, remove the chicken and then proceed to sauté your onions and garlic, capturing all those delicious fond bits at the bottom of the pot.
Assembling Your Meal for Cooking
- Once your chicken is expertly prepped according to your chosen cooking method, layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped dried tomatoes evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot insert. This aromatic base will infuse the entire dish with incredible flavor as it cooks, softening and caramelizing gently.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of this flavorful bed of vegetables. Ensure they are distributed as evenly as possible for consistent cooking.
- In a separate bowl or a 4-cup measuring cup, vigorously whisk together the chicken broth, the rich tomato paste, and the optional red wine (if using for the slow cooker). Pour this savory liquid mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables. This ensures every component is bathed in the flavorful sauce, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully during the cooking process.
- Finally, securely fasten the lid on your appliance and set it according to the specific directions for your chosen method below.
Isn’t that simply fantastic? In approximately 10 minutes of dedicated hands-on preparation, you can step away from the kitchen and let your slow cooker work its magic for several hours, or have a piping hot, perfectly cooked meal ready in under an hour with your pressure cooker. This minimal effort for maximum culinary reward is what makes these cooking methods so invaluable in a busy household.
At the end of the cooking time, you’ll be greeted with a wonderful, hearty meal that’s rich in flavor, tender in texture, and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that truly delivers on both taste and convenience, earning its place as a cherished family favorite.
What to Serve with Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Chicken, Artichokes, Tomatoes and Olives?
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary sides. Its rich, savory sauce is designed to be absorbed by a comforting base, making every spoonful a delight.
As seen in the photographs, this flavorful chicken is often served over a bed of perfectly cooked spiral pasta, lightly tossed with some of the luscious, savory sauce. The pasta effectively soaks up every drop of flavor, ensuring each bite is truly delicious. However, your serving options are wonderfully plentiful:
- Rice: A classic and universally loved choice, white or brown rice provides a neutral yet absorbent base that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the chicken and its rich tomato sauce.
- Orzo: This delightful rice-shaped pasta is another excellent option. Its small size and tender texture make it ideal for soaking up the savory sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.
- Cauliflower Rice: For those seeking a lighter, lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice. It effectively absorbs the sauce and adds a subtle earthiness without overpowering the main dish.
- Artisan Bread: Sometimes, this dish is so flavorful and comforting that it can stand on its own, with just a crusty piece of good artisan bread to sop up every last bit of the exquisite, savory sauce.
Don’t Forget a Fresh Side Salad! A crisp, refreshing side salad is the absolute perfect counterpoint to the rich and hearty chicken. The bright, tangy notes of a well-made vinaigrette cut beautifully through the richness and add a lovely, vibrant freshness to your entire meal. Consider these delicious options:
- Tossed Greens with Vinaigrette: A simple, vibrant mix of fresh greens dressed with a pantry basic vinaigrette. The lemon variation, in particular, harmonizes wonderfully with the tomato-based sauce, enhancing its brightness and providing a zesty contrast.
- Orange Almond Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette: For a touch of elegant citrus and a satisfying crunch, this unique salad adds an unexpected and delightful twist to your meal.
- Shaved Cabbage Salad with Creamy Feta Vinaigrette: This salad offers a wonderfully satisfying crunch and a creamy, tangy dressing that complements the savory chicken beautifully, adding another layer of texture and flavor.
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Slow Cooker Chicken, Artichokes, Dried Tomatoes & Olives (+ Instant Pot Option)
Equipment
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4 quart or larger slow cooker or Instant Pot/pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 2.5 to 3 pounds chicken pieces, any combination of chicken pieces (preferably skinned for slow cooker option)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, (can use smoked or hot – it’s up to you)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup flour (slow cooker) OR 2 teaspoons potato starch/cornstarch (pressure cooker)
- 1/3 cup chopped dried tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red wine or more broth (use all broth for pressure cooker option)
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 15-ounce can quartered artichokes, or equivalent frozen
- 1 6-ounce can whole olives
- Cooked pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for serving
- Parmesan & parsley for garnish
Instructions
Slow Cooker Directions:
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Combine the paprika, flour, basil, salt and pepper in a bag or bowl. Add the skinned chicken and toss to coat evenly.
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Place the chopped onion, garlic, and dried tomatoes in the bottom of a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.
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Arrange the coated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
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Combine the broth, wine (or more broth), and tomato paste in a 4 cup measure or bowl and pour over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
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Cover and cook 5-6 hours on LOW or 2-1/2 to 3 hours on HIGH. Stir in the artichokes and whole olives during the last 30 minutes and turn to HIGH if cooker had been on LOW.
Instant Pot Directions:
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Combine the paprika, basil, salt and pepper (do not add flour). Coat chicken with spices (you can choose to leave the skin on if your pressure cooker has a sauté function, sautéing the chicken in a tablespoon of oil for about 4 minutes each side, and then sautéing the onions and garlic after removing the chicken before continuing with the directions).
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Mix the dried tomatoes with the onions and garlic in the bottom of the cooker. Top with the chicken pieces.
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Combine 1 cup chicken broth (do not use the wine as it will not evaporate) and tomato paste in a 4 cup measuring cup/bowl and pour over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
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Close lid; cook for 11 minutes on high pressure (will take 10-15 minutes to come to pressure).
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Use quick release (will take about 5 minutes) and stir in the artichokes and olives. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of potato starch or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water at the end of cooking, stirring into the hot mixture.
Serving
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Spoon chicken pieces, vegetables, and sauce over pasta or rice and top with grated parmesan and chopped parsley. TIP: Spoon some of the sauce onto the pasta or rice first and toss together before topping.
Notes
Nutrition
Why This Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try for Every Home Cook
Beyond its undeniably delicious taste and incredible versatility, this Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Chicken with Artichokes, Dried Tomatoes, and Olives offers several compelling reasons to become a cherished staple in your regular meal rotation. It’s a remarkably **budget-friendly meal**, efficiently utilizing affordable chicken pieces and common pantry staples to create a dish that tastes far more luxurious and gourmet than its actual cost. This makes it an ideal choice for feeding your family wholesome, homemade meals without straining your grocery budget, whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or need a dish that can effortlessly impress guests without extensive effort.
The **minimal hands-on time** required for this recipe is another significant advantage in today’s fast-paced world. With just about 10 minutes of initial preparation – a quick chopping and seasoning process – you can load your slow cooker or Instant Pot and confidently let it do the hard work. This precious time-saving benefit frees you up for other activities, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy parents, demanding professionals, or anyone simply looking to enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal without the usual kitchen fuss.
Furthermore, this recipe is an absolute **flavor powerhouse**. The harmonious combination of tender, succulent chicken, a robust and savory tomato base, tangy artichoke hearts, intensely sweet dried tomatoes, and briny, flavorful olives creates a complex and deeply satisfying taste profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that feels equally at home on a cozy family dinner table or as a centerpiece for entertaining guests with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Finally, its exceptional **adaptability** to both the slow cooker and Instant Pot cooking methods means you have complete control over your cooking schedule and preferences. Whether you prefer the traditional low-and-slow approach for unparalleled flavor development throughout the day or the rapid cooking efficiency of a pressure cooker for those last-minute meal solutions, this recipe consistently delivers tender, juicy chicken and a rich, aromatic sauce every single time. It’s truly an all-in-one, foolproof solution for a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
More Easy Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Recipes to Try:
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This recipe has been thoughtfully updated to provide even more value and convenience – it was first published in January of 2010. We’ve refined the instructions and proudly added the incredibly popular Instant Pot option to make this family-favorite dish even more accessible for today’s busy and discerning home cooks.
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