If you’ve been searching for a dish that combines effortless cooking with irresistible Mediterranean flavors, you need to try this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and classic herbs like oregano and thyme that make every bite sing. The magic happens as the slow cooker gently melds these simple yet vibrant ingredients into a rich and comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing an important role in creating that authentic Greek taste and mouthwatering texture. From the brightness of fresh lemon juice to the earthy touch of dried herbs, every item here contributes to a balanced and satisfying dish.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; both absorb flavors beautifully.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down slowly.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses rich savory notes.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Provides a bright, tangy zing that awakens the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Boosts flavor and helps blend all the seasonings smoothly.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic’s pungent aroma infuses deeply during slow cooking, adding warmth.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Oregano is key to that authentic Greek flavor profile, earthy and aromatic.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements oregano perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just a hint of spice to balance the citrus and herbs.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and getting your chicken ready. Whether you’re using breasts or thighs, make sure the chicken is thawed if previously frozen. Thinly slice the onion and mince your garlic so they’re ready to go. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Layer Chicken and Onions
Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Then add a generous layer of the thinly sliced onions on top. This layering allows the onions to gently soften and flavor the chicken as it cooks.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture will become the luscious sauce bathing the chicken, packing in fragrant, zesty goodness.
Step 4: Pour and Cook
Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The slow cooking allows the flavors to fully deepen and the meat to become incredibly moist.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This step helps the chicken soak up the delicious juices and herbs, making every bite flavorful and tender. It’s now ready to be served alongside your favorite accompaniments.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pop visually and taste-wise, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or dill on top. A few crumbles of creamy feta cheese or a handful of Kalamata olives can add another traditional Greek touch. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side for an optional extra squeeze of brightness!
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Imagine fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, garlic roasted potatoes, or a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Each side complements the tender chicken perfectly, balancing textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your shredded Greek chicken over creamy hummus or atop a bed of orzo pasta for a fresh twist. You can also stuff it into warm pita pockets with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and tomato for an easy, handheld meal that feels special but is totally doable on a busy night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze any extra chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Seal tightly and use within 2 to 3 months for best flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain its tender texture.
Reheating
When ready to eat leftovers, reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Take care not to overheat to avoid drying out the tender meat. Spoon over rice or add to wraps for another easy meal.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can add extra flavor but may require a bit more cooking time. Just make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your chicken broth and any side dishes to keep it gluten-friendly.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and onions first, then add the marinade and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for best texture.
What if I don’t have dried oregano and thyme?
Fresh herbs work just as well if you adjust the quantities—about three times the dried amount. Or substitute with other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or marjoram to mix things up.
How do I get the chicken extra juicy?
Using chicken thighs helps since they have more fat, but also be sure not to overcook the chicken. Cooking on low heat for 5 to 6 hours is perfect for locking in moisture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe that makes weeknight meals feel like a special occasion. Its simplicity and depth of flavor mean you can set it and forget it while looking forward to a warm, hearty dinner that gets better with every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite go-to for easy, delicious meals.
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered with traditional Greek herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and onions. Slowly cooked to perfection, this dish offers juicy, aromatic chicken perfect for shredding and serving with your favorite sides for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
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: Prepare all ingredients by thinly slicing the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Gather the chicken, herbs, and other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Place Chicken and Onion: Place the chicken breasts or thighs evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the thinly sliced onions on top of the chicken to infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined to create a savory Greek-inspired marinade.
- Pour Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This allows the chicken to soak up the juices and flavors for a moist, tender texture.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken warm with your choice of sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the mixture for an hour before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and richness, while chicken breasts are leaner.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
