If you’re craving a dish that combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with effortless cooking, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection with fragrant herbs, garlic, and a zesty lemon kick creates a beautiful harmony of taste and texture. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a delicious meal prep option, this recipe delivers soulful Greek flavor with almost no hands-on time, making it both satisfying and convenient.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe uses a handful of basic yet essential ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dish. Each component plays a vital role: the lemon juice brightens, the oregano and thyme add those unmistakable Greek notes, and the garlic and onions create a savory base that makes the chicken truly sing.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor, or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and tenderness as it slowly cooks with the chicken.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Helps keep the chicken moist and infuses it with savory depth.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Gives the dish a refreshing, tangy brightness that awakens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Enhances richness and helps bind the flavors together.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Offers aromatic warmth and a punch of mellow heat.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: A cornerstone Greek herb that brings the traditional flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds earthiness and subtle floral notes.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Elevates all the natural flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick of spice to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Onions
Start by placing your chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the thinly sliced onions right on top of the chicken; they will soften beautifully and add a natural sweetness as they cook down slowly alongside the meat.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything well so the herbs and garlic get evenly distributed in the liquid, which will become the magical sauce infusing the chicken with flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over Chicken and Onions
Evenly pour the fragrant mixture right over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. This ensures every bite will be soaked in that bright, herbaceous sauce that defines this dish.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 5 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become incredibly tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on the cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s settings to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Serve
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb every drop of that luscious juice. This step transforms the dish into a rich and cozy meal, perfect to serve over rice, pasta, or your favorite Greek salad.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a burst of texture and color to this hearty chicken dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for a pop of green freshness. A few crumbles of feta cheese bring creaminess and a salty tang that beautifully complements the lemony chicken.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with traditional Greek side dishes like fluffy rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a crisp and vibrant Greek salad filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside warm pita bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving to the next level by making gyro-style wraps using pita bread loaded with shredded chicken, tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggies. Alternatively, pile the shredded chicken atop a bed of couscous or orzo for a colorful grain bowl with a Mediterranean twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, ready to brighten your next meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken keeps well for up to 3 months without losing that juicy tenderness and flavorful punch.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to retain moisture. You can also microwave portions covered to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps keep the chicken moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay juicy during slow cooking, making them a preferred choice, though breasts work just fine for a leaner option.
Do I need to add chicken broth, or can I skip it?
The broth adds moisture and flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it. The chicken will still be tender due to the lemon juice and slow cooking, though slightly less saucy.
How long should I cook the chicken on high versus low?
Cooking on low for 5 to 6 hours produces the most tender results, but if you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours is a good alternative. Just be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. Double the seasoning to keep the bold, balanced flavors intact.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?
Leftovers are perfect for quick lunches—try stuffing them into pita pockets with tzatziki and veggies or mixing them into pasta or grain salads for a delicious, convenient meal.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe truly feels like a kitchen hug, filled with the bright herbs and comforting slow-cooked goodness we all crave. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that welcomes you home no matter how busy your day was. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular part of your meal rotation. Your future self will thank you for such an effortless, delicious winner!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. With just 5 minutes of prep and hands-off slow cooking, tender chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs is ready to serve over rice, vegetables, or a Greek salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
Liquid and Seasonings
- 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 to layer the flavors.
- Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker so it absorbs all the flavorful juices. Serve the warm shredded Greek chicken over rice, pasta, pita bread, or on top of a fresh Greek salad for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can omit it; the chicken will be slightly less juicy but still flavorful and moist.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; start checking the chicken a bit early to avoid overcooking.
- For the most tender and juicy chicken, use thighs over breast; if using thighs, trim excess fat if desired before cooking.
