If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, then this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection, soaking up the tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, briny Kalamata olives, and sweet, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, all crowned with creamy, salty feta cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet but is astonishingly simple to prepare, making every bite a joyful celebration of Greek-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in capturing the true essence of this dish. The mix of herbs, citrus, and classic Greek staples creates a harmony of taste, texture, and color that’s hard to resist.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for soaking up all the flavorful juices.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory base to the slow cooker.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Injects bright, zesty acidity that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings richness and helps infuse the herbs into the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: An iconic Greek herb that adds earthiness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a subtle, fragrant note that complements oregano.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Garlic gives a punch of flavor that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives: These add a salty, briny contrast that is pure magic.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juiciness and slight sweetness balance the bold olives.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Melts ever so slightly and adds creaminess and tang.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: A fresh, bright finish that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Season generously with salt and pepper to set a flavorful foundation. This simple seasoning step is key because the chicken will absorb all the wonderful flavors from the other ingredients as it cooks.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Broth
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, and minced garlic. This blend is your magic potion, infusing the chicken with aromatic herbs and a citrusy punch. Pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring every piece is bathed in the fragrant mixture.
Step 3: Add the Mediterranean Toppings
Scatter the Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions over the chicken. These toppings bring layers of texture and bursts of flavor that are essential to the authenticity of this dish. They’ll cook down slightly, becoming tender and releasing amazing juices into the pot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking gives the chicken time to become incredibly tender and soak up all the Mediterranean flavors, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal with very little hands-on effort.
Step 5: Finish with Feta Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The residual heat will gently warm the feta, softening it just enough to melt slightly into the succulent chicken and the rich juices.
Step 6: Serve it Up
Spoon the chicken along with all the transformed olives, tomatoes, and cooking juices onto plates or a serving dish. The combination of flavors and colors at this point is truly irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything. This final touch adds a bright, herbal kick and makes the dish look as stunning as it tastes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh parsley leaves are a classic Garnish and an absolute must for this dish, lending a lovely herbal aroma and vibrant green color. You can also add a few extra crumbles of feta cheese or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the presentation further.
Side Dishes
This recipe is all about bright, fresh flavors, so complement it with simple sides like fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Roasted vegetables or a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion also pair wonderfully, keeping the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or even lemon herb quinoa. If you’re feeling adventurous, assemble it as a filling for warm pita pockets topped with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired sandwich experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chicken dish makes excellent leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to restore the sauciness, and sprinkle a bit more feta or fresh herbs after warming to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will work great and often become even more tender during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking times if needed, as bone-in pieces usually take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt it for the oven or stovetop by simmering the chicken in a covered Dutch oven at low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on the liquid levels to prevent drying out.
Can I substitute the Kalamata olives?
If you’re not a fan of Kalamatas, you can use other briny olives like green castelvetranos or even a mix for variety. Just be mindful of the saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your chicken broth and any additional sides you serve with it.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is traditionally mild and herb-forward with no added heat. If you like, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, but it’s perfect as is for those who prefer a milder, savory meal.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe, you’ll wonder how it ever slipped under your radar. It’s a vibrant, comforting meal that’s full of personality and utterly fuss-free, making it perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 7 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 7 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken breasts simmered in a zesty blend of lemon, oregano, thyme, garlic, and chicken broth, enhanced with Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Finished with crumbled feta and fresh parsley, it’s an effortless, healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broth and Marinade
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season them evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and minced garlic, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add marinade and toppings: Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then top with pitted Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and thin slices of red onion to add vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Add feta cheese: After cooking, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken breasts to introduce a creamy, tangy element.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken along with the cooking juices, olives, and tomatoes from the slow cooker onto plates for serving.
- Garnish: Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbal note and vibrant color.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to maintain steady temperature.
- If preferred, serve with rice, couscous, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Kalamata olives add saltiness; adjust additional salt accordingly.
- Can be adapted to use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and moisture.
