If you’re craving something that bursts with the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean but requires almost no hands-on time, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken infused with lemon, oregano, and thyme, slow-cooked to perfection so every bite is juicy and flavorful. It’s a cozy dish that effortlessly brings the sunshine of Greece to your dinner table, perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal waiting for you without the hassle of constant stirring or monitoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe uses a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients that come together in a way that’s both delicious and straightforward. Each adds a thoughtful layer of flavor, ensuring the dish is vibrant, aromatic, and comforting.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for a leaner option that still soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the chicken.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps blend the seasonings into a rich sauce.
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Brings a bright, acidic zing that lifts all the herbs and garlic.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The foundation of Greek flavors, adding silkiness to the sauce and helping to marry all ingredients.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic’s pungent aroma and warmth are essential for that unmistakable Greek flavor profile.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that gives a slightly peppery, aromatic edge.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Earthy and subtle, thyme complements oregano beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances and balances every flavor in the recipe.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your chicken, slicing the onion thinly, and mincing the garlic. Preparing these ingredients ahead will make the assembly quick and smooth, setting the stage for that slow cooker magic to happen.
Step 2: Layer Chicken and Onions
Place the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker, then spread the thinly sliced onions evenly over the top. This layering helps the onions soften and infuse their sweetness directly into the chicken as it cooks.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This simple yet potent marinade will soak into the chicken as it cooks, creating a vibrant and fragrant sauce.
Step 4: Pour and Cook
Pour your sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and onions, making sure everything is nicely coated. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This step allows the chicken to absorb the juices and herbs fully, resulting in a moist, flavorful dish that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the vibrant flavors by topping your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, fresh chopped parsley, or a handful of kalamata olives. These garnishes add color, texture, and that authentic Greek charm.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, warm pita bread, or a crisp Greek salad. Each side complements the tender, juicy chicken and its tangy sauce in unique ways, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous mixed with toasted pine nuts and dried apricots for a Mediterranean twist. Or use it as a filling for wraps with tzatziki sauce and crunchy veggies for a fun and casual meal everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date to keep track, so you can enjoy the Greek flavors another day with ease.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover the dish to trap steam, and heat until warmed through, preserving the tender texture and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, allow extra time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken after cooking?
Shredding is recommended as it helps the chicken soak up all the delicious juices and herbs, but if you prefer, you can serve the chicken whole or sliced for a different texture experience.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can adapt the recipe for the oven by baking the chicken and onion mixture in a covered dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours until tender, stirring occasionally to keep it moist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before cooking. This will give the dish a pleasant heat without overpowering the Greek flavors.
What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their richness and moisture, but chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Both soak up the herbs and lemon beautifully during slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy home cooks who crave wholesome, flavor-packed meals without the fuss. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and a delightful way to bring a touch of Greece into your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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 Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked with aromatic herbs, garlic, lemon, and onions. Perfect for a hands-off meal, the chicken is slow-cooked to juicy perfection and then shredded to soak up all the delicious juices. Serve it with rice, pasta, pita bread, or as a topping for a fresh Greek salad for a versatile Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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: Gather all ingredients and prepare the chicken by trimming if needed. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Layer Chicken and Onion: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Evenly spread the thinly sliced onions over the top of the chicken.
- Mix Dressing: 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 Mixture: Pour the prepared herb and broth mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb all the juices and flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shredded Greek chicken warm over rice, pasta, with pita bread, or atop a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavorful and moist results, or breasts if preferred.
- Feel free to add sliced bell peppers or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shredded chicken and reduce the cooking juices on the stovetop before mixing back in.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
