Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients and Weight:

• Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless) - 8 pieces (about 2 pounds)
• Carrots - 2 large, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
• Celery - 2 large stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• Onion - 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup)
• Garlic - 4-5 cloves, minced
• Dried oregano - 1 tablespoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Low-sodium chicken broth or stock - 3 cups
• Tomato - 1 large, chopped or 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• Olives - 1/2 cup (optional)
• Couscous or cooked rice - for serving (optional)

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (excludes slow cooker cooking time)

Cooking Time: 4-6 hours in a slow cooker on low setting

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
3. Pour the chicken broth or stock into the slow cooker.
4. If using tomato sauce, pour it over the top of the dish. If using fresh tomato, add it during the last hour of cooking.
5. Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve over couscous or cooked rice if desired. Top with olives if using as a garnish.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total) Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving (depending on the amount of added fat and serving size) Protein: About 30-40 grams per serving Fat: 10-20 grams per serving (most of it from chicken and olives if included) Carbohydrates: Depends on the serving of couscous or rice (if served with)

Dish Characteristics:

• Slow cooked, resulting in tender chicken and vegetables.
• Full of flavor due to the combination of Mediterranean flavors like oregano and basil.
• Can be served as a main dish or with side dishes like couscous or rice.
• Good source of protein and vegetables.

User Comments:

1. "The dish was so flavorful and easy to make. The slow cooker did its job perfectly."
2. "I added more olives for a richer flavor. It was delicious!"
3. "I served it with quinoa instead of couscous and it was a hit at the dinner party."
4. "My family loved this dish. It was hearty and filling."
5. "Great for a weekend meal when you want something hearty but don't want to spend all day in the kitchen."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure all vegetables are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth or stock to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you like it spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes or chili flakes.
• The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.