If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean vibes yet incredibly easy to prepare, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a beautiful balance of tender chicken infused with zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and thyme, all slow-cooked to perfection so every bite tastes like a little slice of Greece. Whether you want a comforting weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress friends, this recipe brings that unmistakable Greek charm to your table with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. Each component is simple but packs a punch in flavor, texture, and color, making this dish wonderfully aromatic and visually appetizing.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier, more tender meat or breast for a leaner option, both soak up the flavors beautifully.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while adding a gentle, savory base to the sauce.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Provides that bright, tangy pop that makes this dish unmistakably Greek.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings a rich, fruity note and helps meld all the ingredients together.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic’s aromatic kick is essential for depth and warmth in the flavor profile.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb delivering that slightly peppery, earthy taste.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal hint that pairs beautifully with oregano and lemon.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild heat and balances the lemon and herbs nicely.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Onions
Start by placing your boneless chicken right into the bottom of the slow cooker—it’s the perfect base for soaking up all the delicious flavors. Then, layer the thinly sliced onions directly on top; they’ll soften and sweeten as they cook, creating a wonderful bed for the chicken.
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture is the heart of the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, infusing every bite with tangy, herbal goodness. Pour it evenly over the chicken and onions to ensure every piece is coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Patience here is rewarded with ultra-tender chicken that’s imbued with the rich flavors of the marinade. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred and Serve Warm
Once the chicken is cooked through and juicy, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Doing this allows the shredded meat to soak in all those luscious juices, making each bite extra moist and flavorful. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed however you like!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring brightness and texture to your plate. Top your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and herbal freshness. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds creamy saltiness that perfectly complements the lemony chicken.
Side Dishes
Think rice or orzo cooked in a light broth, a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and olives, or some warm pita bread to scoop up every delicious bite. These sides marry wonderfully with the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, rounding out your meal with classic Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Transform this chicken into a gyro-style wrap with tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, and tomatoes served in warm pita bread. Or pile it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa for an elegant, hearty presentation. This recipe’s versatility makes it perfect for casual lunches or dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The chicken continues to absorb flavors over time, so it often tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Freezing
Freeze any extra Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe in meal-sized portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking, but breasts work just fine and keep the dish a little leaner. Both absorb the Greek flavors nicely.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding helps the chicken soak up the flavorful juices more thoroughly, but if you prefer, you can serve the chicken whole or sliced. It will still taste delicious!
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the ingredients covered in a Dutch oven or baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
What if I want to add vegetables?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition. Just keep in mind denser vegetables might need slightly longer to cook through.
How tangy will the lemon flavor be?
The lemon juice brings a fresh, bright tanginess that lifts the dish without overpowering it. It perfectly balances the herbs and savory flavors, giving a true Greek flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is one of those fantastic meals that feels special but is so simple to make. The aromatic herbs, lemony brightness, and tender chicken combine to create a dish you will want to make again and again. I promise once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine. Give it a go and enjoy the delicious taste of Greece, slow-cooked with love.
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish made with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs slow-cooked in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and chicken broth. The recipe requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the work, resulting in succulent chicken perfect for serving over rice, pasta, pita, or in a Greek salad.
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
- Prepare ingredients: Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread the thinly sliced onion evenly on top of the chicken to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, fine sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add sauce and cook: Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred and serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks so it absorbs the flavorful juices. Serve the tender Greek chicken warm, alongside rice, pasta, pita bread, or on top of a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- If you prefer, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill as garnish before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once shredded and reduce the liquid in a skillet on the stove before mixing back in.
- Make sure not to skip shredding the chicken as it helps soak up the delicious juices and enhances the flavor.
