If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors yet requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe will become your new go-to. Tender, juicy chicken slowly infused with fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic creates a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe’s simplicity doesn’t hold back on taste, making it an easy way to bring a heartwarming Greek-inspired feast to your table anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to how this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe shines. Each component adds a layer of flavor, moisture, or aroma that transforms humble chicken into something truly special.
- 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 depth as it softens during cooking.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps make a delicious base for the juices.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Brings bright citrus notes that cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A staple in Greek cooking that enriches the dish with healthy fats and smooth texture.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a punch of aromatic flavor that melds beautifully with the herbs.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that imparts earthy, piney notes.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds subtle minty undertones and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 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 placing your chicken pieces neatly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, layer the thinly sliced onions right on top. This layering allows the onions to slowly caramelize and infuse their sweetness into the chicken during cooking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. This zesty and herbaceous sauce is the heart of the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, giving it its signature bright and savory flavor profile.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour your fragrant sauce evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. This ensures every bite will be tender and soaked with all those delightful Mediterranean flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, gentle cooking lets the meat become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C) and the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, use two forks right inside the slow cooker to shred the meat. This technique helps the chicken soak up all the savory juices and makes it super easy to serve.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe to restaurant-quality dinner status. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or oregano, crumbled feta cheese, or even some kalamata olives for that authentic Greek touch and vibrant color contrast.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with traditional Mediterranean sides. Serve it atop fluffy rice, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or with warm pita bread. A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce also complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use the shredded chicken as a filling in wraps or pita pockets along with some crunchy veggies and a dollop of yogurt sauce. You can also toss it with pasta and olives for a quick Mediterranean pasta salad. The options are endless with this versatile Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days and tastes just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Warm it slowly to retain the tender texture and delicious flavors that make the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add extra flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time. Just check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding helps the chicken soak up the juices and makes for easy serving, but you can certainly serve the chicken whole or in chunks if you prefer.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition.
What kind of slow cooker works best?
Any standard slow cooker will do the job well — just adjust cooking times based on your model’s heat settings if needed.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried in this recipe?
Yes, but use about three times the amount of fresh herbs since they are less concentrated than dried. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish even more when added at the end.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive meal to warm up your weeknights, the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is a fantastic choice. With its layered flavors, tender texture, and effortless prep, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your slow cooker and treat yourself and your loved ones to this Mediterranean delight soon!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow with classic Greek flavors like lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, the chicken is shredded right in the slow cooker to soak up all the savory juices, making it delicious served over rice, pasta, pita, or a fresh 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
- Prep: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the thinly sliced onion evenly on top of the chicken.
- 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 until well combined.
- Pour: Evenly pour the marinade mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the flavors are distributed throughout.
- Cook: Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to LOW for 5-6 hours or 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, allowing it to absorb the flavorful juices for a moist, delicious texture.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken warm over 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 more flavorful and moist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after shredding and reduce the juices on the stovetop before mixing back in.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill as a garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.
- This chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for meal prep.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of extra lemon for added brightness.
