If you’re craving something savory, zesty, and wildly easy to make, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is about to become your new kitchen staple. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken gets a Mediterranean makeover—with tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and a garlicky punch—right in your trusty slow cooker. It’s unbelievably versatile, bursting with bright flavor, and perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Virtually Effortless: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can toss in the ingredients and come back to a house filled with mouthwatering aromas and dinner, done!
- Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Each bite bursts with bright lemon, lots of garlic, and an herby Greek vibe that transports you straight to the sunny coast.
- Meal Prep Hero: This dish makes a generous batch and reheats beautifully, so lunch or dinner is sorted all week (or ready to freeze for later).
- Totally Customizable: Whether you pile it onto rice, stuff it into pita, or top a big salad, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken goes with just about everything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to incredible Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is all in the humble, everyday Mediterranean ingredients. Each one layers in signature flavor—think juicy chicken, tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and just a hint of richness from good olive oil—to create a dish that’s impossibly tasty and beautifully simple.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Go for thighs if you love extra tenderness, or chicken breasts for a leaner option—both work magic in the slow cooker.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: The onion melts down as it cooks, adding sweet flavor and keeping the chicken moist.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Just enough to keep things juicy and help all the flavors meld together without getting soupy.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): The bright citrus wakes up the whole dish and gives it that classic Greek flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the herbs cling to every bite of chicken.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that bold, garlicky punch you’ll crave in every forkful.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Signature Greek herb flavor—earthy and slightly citrusy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Brings warmth and a subtle floral note to the party.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances and deepens all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A finishing touch of gentle, savory heat.
Variations
The beauty of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is how forgiving—and adaptable—it is. Whether you need to accommodate dietary preferences or just want to put your own twist on things, you can easily shake up the ingredients and make this recipe your own.
- Add Veggies: Toss in chopped bell pepper, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to boost nutrition and color without any extra fuss.
- Try Different Herbs: Swap oregano and thyme for dill, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of dried basil for a new flavor dimension.
- Make It Dairy-Friendly: Crumble in feta just before serving for a creamy, briny finish that takes this chicken over the top.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens for a lighter, bread-free meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Onion
Start by arranging your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the thinly sliced onion over the chicken—this is key, as the onions will both flavor the meat and help keep it tender and juicy during hours of cooking.
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Greek Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour this herby, citrusy magic over the chicken and onions, making sure the marinade seeps down to flavor every piece.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture simmer on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become irresistibly tender—so tender you can shred it with a fork—and will soak up every bit of that Greek-inspired flavor.
Step 4: Shred and Soak up the Juices
Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C), use two forks to gently shred it right in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir so all that flavorful broth and onion mixes in. Now you’re ready to serve it up warm however you like!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Cut Size Counts: For the juiciest results, avoid cutting the chicken too small before cooking—it’s best to shred it after for that authentic, rustic texture.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Add a bit of lemon zest to the marinade if you want an extra punch of citrusy brightness!
- Hands-Off, Not Checked-Out: Resist the urge to open the lid early—the magic really happens in those last couple of hours as all the flavors meld.
- Quick Broil Trick: For a golden top, spread shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving (hello, crispy edges!).
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
I absolutely recommend showering your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon, and maybe a scoop of briny Kalamata olives or crumbled feta cheese. These pops of flavor and color give it that extra “wow” when you bring it to the table!
Side Dishes
This chicken practically begs for a bed of fluffy rice, a swirl of orzo, or warm pita to soak up the juices. For something lighter, pile it high on crisp Greek salad or serve with roasted vegetables—honestly, there’s no wrong answer here.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, spoon the chicken into lettuce cups for Mediterranean tacos, layer it into grain bowls with tzatziki, or make a Greek-style wrap with warm pita, red onion, and tomatoes. It’s totally company-worthy, but just as great for a quick weeknight win!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken keeps fabulously in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and don’t skimp on that tasty broth—it keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor even after reheating.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Cool the shredded chicken and its juices completely, then seal in a freezer bag or container. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for Greek night on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra broth or a squeeze of lemon as needed to refresh those bright flavors. Don’t forget to stir so every bite stays juicy!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?
For food safety, it’s best to start with thawed chicken in your slow cooker. If you have frozen chicken, thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before using it for this recipe.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful when slowly cooked, but boneless skinless breasts work just as well if you want a leaner option.
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How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Be sure not to overcook—use the lowest recommended time, and always keep the lid tightly on. The broth, onions, and lemon juice all help lock in moisture, especially if you shred the chicken right in the slow cooker with its juices.
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Can I double this recipe if I have a large slow cooker?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken sits in an even-ish layer and is well coated with the marinade. You may need to add a little extra time, especially if your slow cooker is packed full.
Final Thoughts
If you try just one new crockpot dinner this season, let it be Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. It’s soulful, satisfying, and proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create something truly crave-worthy. I can’t wait for you to taste just how easy and delicious this Greek-inspired favorite can be—enjoy!
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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 dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy day. The chicken is tender and infused with Mediterranean herbs and citrus flavors, making it a versatile dish that can be served in various ways.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
Seasoning:
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 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 until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C.
- Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker so it can soak up the juices. Serve warm with rice, pasta, pita, or on top of a Greek salad!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
