If you are searching for a dish that combines effortless cooking with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and a garlic kick, all slowly melding together in your slow cooker to create a savory masterpiece. It’s such a perfect recipe for busy days when you still want a homemade meal that feels comforting and fresh. Whether you’re new to Greek food or a longtime fan, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe brings simplicity and taste straight to your table with incredible ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully simple, relying on key ingredients that work together to create deep, authentic flavors and a perfect balance of acidity, herbs, and richness. Every component has its role, from the tender chicken to the fragrant thyme, so gather these essentials for the best results.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose chicken thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner protein; both absorb flavors wonderfully.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and texture, softening beautifully during slow cooking.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while blending all flavors into the sauce.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Provides bright acidity that wakes up the dish with authentic Greek zest.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps carry the garlic and herb flavors.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers that essential garlicky aroma that’s deeply comforting.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Classic Greek herb, earthy and slightly bitter, anchoring the flavor profile.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Offers subtle floral notes to complement oregano.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and herbs.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and balances the brightness of the lemon.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing the onion thinly so it can soften and meld with the chicken in the slow cooker. Mince the garlic and squeeze the lemon juice fresh for vibrant, natural flavor. Having all your ingredients ready will make the assembly seamless.
Step 2: Layer Chicken and Onions
Place the chicken pieces right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a sturdy base that cooks evenly. Then add the thinly sliced onion on top of the chicken to allow the flavors to seep down and develop complexity as everything cooks.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where all the magic happens—it’s the juice that will slowly infuse the chicken with those signature Greek flavors as it simmers.
Step 4: Pour and Cook
Evenly pour the herb and lemon mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to LOW for 5-6 hours, or if you’re short on time, HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to easily shred and reaches a safe internal temperature.
Step 5: Shred and Soak up the Juices
Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This step is essential as it allows the shredded chicken to soak up all those beautiful, tangy juices for every bite to burst with flavor deliciously.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring brightness to this dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Lemon wedges served alongside add an extra citrusy zing if you want to brighten each serving even more.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a lighter touch, try roasted vegetables or a crisp Greek salad tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for an authentic Mediterranean meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this shredded chicken into a flavorful filling for pita wraps or stuff it into warm flatbreads with tzatziki and crunchy vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous topped with feta cheese for an elegant but effortless dinner presentation that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and juices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Separate into portions and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the tender texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful. Adding a splash of broth can help refresh the sauce if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking, but both work well so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients gently in a covered pot on the stovetop for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried oregano and thyme?
Definitely. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to dried. Fresh herbs will add a brighter, more fragrant note, so add them during the last hour of cooking to avoid losing flavor.
What can I serve with this chicken for a kid-friendly meal?
Serve the chicken with simple sides like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pita bread. You can also offer a mild cucumber-yogurt dip to introduce some Greek flavor that kids tend to enjoy.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you don’t need to make any changes. Just skip any cheese garnishes if you choose to add some for serving.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over because it’s so simple, satisfying, and packed with vibrant flavors that feel like a Mediterranean getaway in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that requires very little effort but delivers big on taste. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite go-to dinner!
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken infused with classic Greek herbs and lemon. Perfect for an easy meal, it uses minimal ingredients and slow cooking to develop rich flavors, making it a perfect dish for busy days or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
Marinade and Seasoning
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare all ingredients by thinly slicing the onion, minced garlic, and juicing the lemon, ensuring all is ready for easy layering in the slow cooker.
- Layer Chicken and Onion: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the thinly sliced onions evenly on top of the chicken for infusing flavor during cooking.
- Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper to evenly combine the marinade.
- Pour Marinade: Evenly pour the marinade mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated to absorb all the aromatic flavors.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred Chicken: Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing the meat to soak up the flavorful cooking juices before serving.
- Serve: Serve the shredded Greek chicken warm alongside your choice of healthy sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking if time permits.
- Chicken thighs will yield a juicier and more tender result compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to personal taste, adding more oregano or thyme for a stronger herbal profile.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and authenticity.
