If you’re looking for a meal that’s practically effortless yet tastes like an instant vacation to the Mediterranean, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is about to be your new weeknight hero. Juicy, lemony chicken, perfumed with garlic and herbs, simmers all day, filling your kitchen with the scents of a Greek taverna—no passport required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy Prep: Just a few minutes of hands-on time and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.
- Deliciously Tender Chicken: The low-and-slow cooking ensures every bite of chicken is juicy, succulent, and infused with bright Greek flavors.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with rice, in a pita, over salad, or even alongside roasted veggies—there are endless options!
- Crowd-Pleaser Full of Flavor: Lemon, garlic, and herbs make this dish irresistible to kids and adults alike (and it’s always a hit at gatherings).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is built from the simplest ingredients, each chosen for maximum flavor and freshness. You’ll be amazed how these everyday staples come together into something absolutely irresistible.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs: The backbone of this dish; thighs give rich flavor and tenderness, but breasts work wonderfully for a leaner option.
- Onion: Sliced onions add natural sweetness and melt into the sauce, making everything rich and aromatic.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the chicken moist as it simmers away.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a burst of citrusy brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Olive Oil: Classic Greek touch—it ties the flavors together and keeps things luxuriously silky.
- Garlic: Four cloves may seem generous, but trust me, it’s the subtle, savory key to the Mediterranean flair.
- Dried Oregano: Essential for authentic Greek flavor—don’t be shy with it!
- Dried Thyme: Lends an earthy, herbal undertone that works beautifully with lemon and garlic.
- Fine Sea Salt: Enhances all the fresh flavors without overpowering the delicate herbs.
- Black Pepper: Just enough to add gentle warmth and balance the citrus and herbs.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is how easy it is to tailor the recipe to your preferences—feel free to get creative to suit your pantry or dietary needs!
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or cherry tomatoes with the onions for an extra hit of color and Mediterranean flavor.
- Go Dairy-Free or Add Feta: For a dairy-free meal, the recipe is already perfect—but if you love a creamy finish, top with crumbled feta just before serving.
- Try Chicken Drumsticks: Swap out breasts or thighs for skinless drumsticks if that’s what you have—they soak up the spices perfectly and stay super moist.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a little heat if you like your Greek chicken with a kick!
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Onions
Start by nestling your chicken pieces snugly into the bottom of your slow cooker, then spread the thinly sliced onions over the top. This creates a foundation that both flavors and gently cushions the chicken as it cooks.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This simple mix is the magic that infuses every bite with Greek sunshine! Pour it evenly over the chicken and onions.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it for LOW (5-6 hours) or HIGH (3-4 hours)—no need to peek! The chicken will become meltingly tender and the kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
When the chicken is fully cooked and pulls apart easily, shred it right in the slow cooker with two forks so all those herbs and juices soak into every bite. Spoon it up warm over your chosen side—or tuck it into wraps, salads, or grain bowls!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- For the Juiciest Chicken: Use chicken thighs for maximum moisture—they’re almost impossible to overcook in the slow cooker and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Layer Flavor with Fresh Lemon: If you have a few extra minutes, zest the lemon before juicing and toss the zest in for even bolder citrus notes.
- Don’t Rush the Shredding: Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker while it’s hot so it absorbs every last drop of sauce—it makes a world of difference in flavor.
- Make It Meal Prep Friendly: Divide finished Slow Cooker Greek Chicken into meal-prep containers with grains and veggies for effortless lunches all week.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
For a fresh pop and gorgeous color, shower your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with chopped parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon, or thick shavings of feta cheese. Kalamata olives and sliced cucumber add briny crunch if you want to channel those Greek taverna vibes at home!
Side Dishes
Pairing your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with fluffy rice, buttery orzo, or pillowy pita bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Try it over a crisp Greek salad, with baked potatoes, or alongside simple roasted vegetables to soak up every savory drop of juice.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer it into grain bowls with grilled veggies and tzatziki, bundle it in warm pitas with tomato and red onion for irresistible gyros, or let it top a big mezze platter with hummus, olives, and dolmas for a stunning Mediterranean feast. However you serve, it always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Cool the chicken completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers (with some sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Slow Cooker Greek Chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. Stir gently until warmed through, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon if you like.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for safety and reliability. Using fresh or fully thawed chicken ensures it cooks evenly and reaches the right temperature throughout.
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Is there a way to make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can cook Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, cool it, and portion it into meal-prep containers with your favorite grains and veggies. It reheats wonderfully and keeps its tender, juicy texture for several days.
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Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, just double all ingredients and make sure your slow cooker is big enough to fit everything comfortably. You may need to tack on a little extra cook time—just check that all the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
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What can I substitute for oregano or thyme if I’m out?
If you’re out of oregano or thyme, you can use Italian seasoning, dried basil, or even rosemary for a different but delicious herbal note. Just use what you have—the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken will shine regardless!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving sun-soaked flavors and the kind of meal that takes just minutes to prep, let Slow Cooker Greek Chicken make your dinner dreams come true. I hope this recipe finds its way to your regular rotation—and brings a little taste of the Mediterranean to your table, anytime!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish to prepare. Tender chicken cooked with onions, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic in a slow cooker, resulting in a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or a fresh Greek salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced onion on top of the chicken.
- Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
- Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker to soak up the juices. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
