If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean charm and effortless comfort, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly infused with zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and garlic, all mingling with sweet onions as they cook low and slow. It’s a recipe that takes the best simple ingredients and transforms them into a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels both wholesome and special. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to unforgettable flavor. Each element in this recipe plays an essential role—from the tangy lemon juice that brightens the dish, to the herbs that bring that classic Greek taste, and the olive oil that adds richness and depth. These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully in your slow cooker to create a meal worth savoring.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy results; thighs tend to stay more moist.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down gently.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses subtle savory notes.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Offers bright acidity that lifts all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the seasoning together.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic backbone to the dish.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Classic Greek herb with an earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds complexity and a subtle herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Onion
Start by arranging your chicken breasts or thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, layer the thinly sliced onions on top of the chicken, letting their natural sweetness infuse as everything cooks. This simple setup creates a flavorful base right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Aromatic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the magic touch that brings all those bold and bright flavors we love in Greek cooking to life.
Step 3: Pour and Cook Low and Slow
Pour the herbaceous sauce evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and juicy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Shred the Chicken to Soak Up the Juices
Once cooked to perfection, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with those savory cooking juices. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly moist.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill make fantastic garnishes. A sprinkling of crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess and that signature Greek tang, while a few lemon wedges on the side brighten the plate even further.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm pita bread. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp Greek salad full of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this chicken into a fantastic gyro by wrapping it in pita with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies, or pile it onto a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of lemon dressing. The versatility of this recipe makes it a weeknight superstar and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and onions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Divide into portion-sized containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking to preserve tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they tend to be juicier and more forgiving during slow cooking. Either cut will yield delicious results.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
There’s no need to brown the chicken first—in fact, skipping this step keeps the recipe quick and simple without sacrificing any flavor or texture thanks to the slow cooking method.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and satisfying choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can! Use the sauté function to mix ingredients quickly, then cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes with a natural release. Just be sure to shred afterward and mix with the juices.
What can I do with leftovers aside from reheating as is?
Leftover chicken is fantastic tossed into salads, stuffed into wraps or sandwiches, or even mixed into pasta dishes for a quick Mediterranean twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about the ease and flavor of this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your family gather eagerly around the table. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find your new go-to for effortless, crave-worthy dinners.
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish made with boneless skinless chicken, aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme, garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth. This easy slow cooker recipe allows the chicken to cook slowly and absorb the bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it perfect for a comforting yet healthy meal. It can be shredded and served with a variety of sides for a delicious family dinner.
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 the ingredients by slicing the onion thinly, mincing the garlic, and juicing the lemon to ensure everything is ready for cooking.
- Layer the Chicken and Onion: Place the boneless skinless chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the thinly sliced onion evenly over the chicken to add flavor and moisture.
- Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, fine sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the Marinade to the Slow Cooker: Pour the herb and lemon mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker so it soaks up the juices and flavors. Mix the shredded chicken well with the cooking liquid.
- Serve: Serve the shredded Greek chicken warm with your preferred sides such as rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Using thighs instead of breast will yield juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Make sure to shred the chicken in the slow cooker to keep it moist and infuse the juices.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe freezes well; freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
