If you’re searching for a dish that tastes like a Mediterranean vacation and requires almost no effort, look no further than this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. With juicy chicken simmered to perfection in a zesty, herb-packed marinade, every bite bursts with bright lemon, robust oregano, and savory feta. This is the kind of comforting, flavor-forward meal that brings everyone to the table, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week. It’s healthy, hands-off, and absolutely wonderful for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a special part in building the dish’s signature layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why it’s essential to this Greek-inspired favorite.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade penetrate the chicken, making every bite tender.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and tang, essential for that authentic Greek zing.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds depth and a gentle acidity that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic, garlicky goodness.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: A must for classic Greek flavor—don’t be shy here!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a hint of warmth and a lovely color to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat, this is your moment.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds savory depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Melts into the sauce, adding sweetness and color.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: A briny, salty punch that’s quintessentially Greek.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness at the very end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This lively marinade is the heart of the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, infusing each bite with vibrant, aromatic flavor. Take a minute to really mix it well so the herbs and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour that gorgeous marinade right over the top, making sure the chicken is nicely coated. The marinade will seep into every nook and cranny as the chicken cooks, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful all the way through.
Step 3: Add Broth, Onions, and Olives
Next, pour in the chicken broth, then scatter the thinly sliced red onions and halved Kalamata olives over the chicken. These ingredients will soften and release their flavors as they cook, creating a savory, Mediterranean-style sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it on low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. The Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork or serve whole. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while it simmers away!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, you can gently shred it into the sauce or leave it whole—totally up to you. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a tangy, creamy finish and a pop of color.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make each plate extra inviting, don’t forget a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and a handful of fresh parsley. The feta melts just slightly into the warm chicken and sauce, while the parsley adds a lively freshness that really brings the dish together. A few extra olives or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top are always welcome, too!
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is a match made in heaven for fluffy rice, orzo, or couscous, all of which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving it over a crisp Greek salad or alongside roasted vegetables. For an extra cozy meal, warm pita bread on the side is always a good idea for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have a little fun, try serving the chicken tucked inside pita wraps with a dollop of tzatziki and a scattering of crunchy veggies. Or, pile it high over a bed of herby quinoa for a protein-packed lunch. This recipe is also fantastic tossed with cooked pasta or stuffed into baked potatoes for a Greek-inspired twist on comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe keeps incredibly well, making it ideal for meal prep or easy lunches. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooked and cooled chicken (without the fresh parsley garnish) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a speedy, flavorful meal anytime you crave those Greek flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep things moist. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Garnish with fresh parsley and feta after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs work beautifully in the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe and offer even more flavor. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight isn’t required, it does intensify the flavors. If you have the time, let the chicken soak up the marinade in the fridge overnight for an extra punch of Greek goodness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the feta cheese or swap it for a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still be bursting with bright, bold flavor thanks to the herbs, lemon, and olives.
What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives aren’t your favorite or you don’t have any on hand, try using green olives or leave them out altogether. The Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is flexible and still delicious without them.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To turn up the heat, simply add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. You can also serve with a drizzle of spicy harissa or your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the aroma and flavor of this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe to brighten up your dinner routine. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, perfect for both easy weeknights and special occasions. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe combines tender chicken thighs with classic Mediterranean flavors including lemon, garlic, oregano, and Kalamata olives. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy and healthy dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Add broth and toppings: Pour chicken broth over the chicken and scatter thinly sliced red onion and halved Kalamata olives on top.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, choose to shred the chicken lightly in the sauce or leave the pieces whole. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice, orzo, couscous, or inside pita wraps with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the marinade overnight before slow cooking.
- This recipe also works well with bone-in chicken thighs for a richer, deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
