Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a fuss-free meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and literally lets the slow cooker do all the work, you’re going to want to try my Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. It’s that magical dish where tender chicken soaks up bright lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs—perfectly set and forget for your busiest days. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll likely become your go-to dinner for lazy weeknights and even when feeding a crowd.
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Flavor Infusion: The slow cooker gently melds lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs into every bite.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Cooking low and slow gives you melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs or breasts every time.
- Versatile & Family Friendly: Use it for salads, wraps, or paired with your favorite sides for endless meal ideas.
- Minimal Hands-On Time: Prep takes less than 10 minutes, then just let your slow cooker do the magic.
Ingredients & Why They Work
What I love about this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create incredible layers of flavor. Plus, they’re pantry staples you likely already have or can easily find. Here’s a quick rundown of why each one rocks this dish.
- Chicken (breast or thighs): Thighs offer juiciness and extra tenderness, but breasts work fine if you trim them and watch the cooking time.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; thin slices meld perfectly during slow cooking.
- Chicken broth: Boosts moisture and flavor—if you skip it, the lemon and herbs still shine.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with that signature Greek zing.
- Olive oil: Helps marry all ingredients and keeps the chicken luscious.
- Garlic: Essential punch of flavor that slowly mellows and enriches during cooking.
- Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Greek herbs that infuse each bite with authentic flair.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Enhances and balances the vibrant flavors perfectly.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often customize it depending on what I have on hand or what my family is craving. Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Use chicken thighs: I’ve tried both breasts and thighs, but thighs truly give that succulent, tender texture that makes everyone ask for seconds.
- Add fresh herbs: Toss in some fresh rosemary or parsley at the end for an herbal punch if you want it extra vibrant.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, especially if you love a bit of heat.
- Swap broth for white wine: I’ve stirred in some white wine instead of broth for a more complex flavor—delicious for special dinners.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Base
I start by placing the chicken directly into the slow cooker. You want the meat evenly spread out so it cooks uniformly. Next, add thinly sliced onions right on top—their sweetness gently infuses the chicken as they slow-cook together.
Step 2: Whip Up the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, I whisk chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This simple but zesty sauce is what really gives the chicken its signature Greek flair. Pour it evenly over the chicken and onions, making sure everything gets coated.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Once your lid is on, set the slow cooker on LOW for about 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. I recommend checking gently a little early the first time to prevent overcooking—your chicken is done when it’s tender and the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C). This slow cooking allows the flavors to deeply soak into every bit of juicy chicken.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This lets it swim in the tasty juices, absorbing every drop. Serve warm over rice, stuffed in pita bread, tossed with a Greek salad, or even over your favorite pasta. It’s a flexible winner!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Trim Your Chicken: If using thighs, I always trim any excess fat beforehand to keep the dish light and prevent greasy juices.
- Avoid Overcooking: Because slow cookers vary, I start checking your chicken about 30 minutes before the lowest recommended time to keep it tender and juicy.
- Shred In the Slow Cooker: Doing this lets the meat soak up those flavorful juices right where it cooked—no juicy goodness lost.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds that authentic brightness you just can’t get from bottled.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping this chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or oregano to amp up the herbaceous vibe. A little crumbled feta cheese on top never hurts either! Sometimes I squeeze an extra wedge of lemon to keep that citrus punch alive.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm pita bread. For veggies, I often serve it alongside a Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes—or some roasted Mediterranean veggies like zucchini and eggplant.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to make Greek chicken sliders using mini pita pockets stuffed with shredded chicken, tzatziki sauce, and crunchy cucumber slices. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Another fun idea is serving it as a “build-your-own bowl” with grains, veggies, and toppings spread out buffet-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken stays juicy thanks to all those infused juices, and I find it’s perfect for quick lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
If I want to keep it longer, I freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and it reheats beautifully without drying out—just like fresh.
Reheating
I prefer reheating my leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. You’ll want to avoid drying out all that lovely flavor!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. Using frozen chicken can increase cooking time and potentially result in uneven doneness. If you only have frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to your slow cooker.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the doubled ingredients without overfilling. If not, cook it in two batches or use two slow cookers if you have them. Also, adjust cooking times slightly, checking for tenderness.
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Is chicken thighs or breasts better for this recipe?
I personally prefer chicken thighs for their succulent texture and richer flavor after slow cooking. Breasts can work if you watch cooking times closely to avoid drying, but thighs give you more reliable juicy results.
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What can I serve with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe to make it a full meal?
Pair the chicken with Greek-style sides like rice pilaf, roasted veggies, pita bread, or a refreshing Greek salad. Adding tzatziki sauce and some olives on the side also completes the meal brilliantly.
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Can I make this recipe without chicken broth?
You sure can! I’ve made it without broth when I ran out and the chicken still turns out moist and flavorful thanks to the lemon juice and olive oil. The broth just adds an extra layer of richness and juices.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, flavorful, and darn reliable. Whether you’re feeding family or looking to prep ahead for busy days, this dish delivers every time. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy that irresistible lemon-garlic-herb goodness as much as I do. Let me know how it turns out for you—nothing beats swapping stories over a dish this good!
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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
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken infused with classic Mediterranean flavors like lemon, oregano, and thyme. Perfectly slow-cooked for hours, it makes a versatile main dish to serve over rice, pasta, pita, or a fresh Greek salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
Marinade
- 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: 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 black 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 6 hours or HIGH for 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.
Notes
- You can omit the chicken broth if you don’t have it; the chicken will still stay moist but with less juice.
- Slow cooker temperatures vary; check the chicken early to avoid overcooking.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for maximum tenderness; trim excess fat if using thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg