Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Juicy chicken is slow-cooked with a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes, then finished with tangy feta and fresh herbs. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for guests but is effortless enough for busy weeknights. The best part? The slow cooker does nearly all the work, while your kitchen fills with the aroma of sunshine and herbs. This is one of those recipes you’ll return to whenever you want healthy, mouthwatering comfort food on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is just how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings its own magic: from the brightness of lemon to the richness of olive oil, these elements combine for a dish that’s colorful, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts (2 pounds): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for the ideal balance of tenderness and ease—thighs add richer flavor, while breasts stay lean.
- Olive Oil (1/3 cup): This is the backbone of classic Mediterranean cooking, bringing lusciousness to both the chicken and the sauce.
- Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): The acidity brightens everything up and perfectly cuts through the richness of the oil and chicken.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): No Greek chicken is complete without garlic—it adds depth and irresistible aroma.
- Red Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon): A touch for tang, it gives the marinade that signature punch.
- Dried Oregano (1 tablespoon): A classic Greek herb, offering earthy, slightly peppery notes throughout the dish.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Subtle and slightly minty, it layers in complexity with the oregano.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors. Adjust to taste if using feta with extra saltiness.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and a light bite to contrast with the bright flavors.
- Red Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Cooks down to sweet tenderness and adds color and a little crunch.
- Kalamata Olives (½ cup, pitted): Salty, briny gems that give the dish unmistakable Greek character.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): They burst with sweet-tart juiciness after a few hours in the slow cooker.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (½ cup): Finishing the dish with feta adds creamy, tart richness that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley or Dill (optional, for garnish): A pop of green at the end makes everything taste (and look) extra fresh.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken thighs or breasts right in the bottom of your slow cooker. This simple step lets the chicken soak up all the juicy flavors from beneath as it cooks. Don’t worry about arranging them perfectly—just make sure they’re in a somewhat even layer so everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Whisk the Marinade
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk it well until all the herbs are distributed and the oil and acids come together nicely. This is your magic potion for transforming chicken into something irresistibly Greek.
Step 3: Pour and Layer the Flavor
Pour that glorious marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. Next, scatter the thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and halved cherry tomatoes over the top. The vegetables will soften and release their juices as they cook, infusing the chicken with color and flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and set your slow cooker—low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken should be tender enough to slice or even shred easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s done by both the aroma and the irresistible texture of the chicken.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Herbs
Just before serving, sprinkle with plenty of crumbled feta cheese and a shower of fresh parsley or dill if you like. The feta melts ever-so-slightly into the chicken and the vibrant herbs wake up every bite. Serve hot, and enjoy the wonderful, home-cooked magic of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of garnishes can effortlessly elevate your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Try a big handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill for brightness, or top with additional feta if you’re a cheese lover. A drizzle of extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon at the table is the perfect finishing touch that brings all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken with simple sides for a fuller meal—think fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or warm, pillowy pita bread. You could also serve it with a crisp Greek salad or roasted potatoes to keep the Mediterranean vibes going strong. The flavorful juices from the slow cooker are made for mopping up!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, shred the chicken and stuff it inside pita pockets along with the olives and tomatoes for a Greek-inspired sandwich. Or serve over a grain bowl with extra veggies for a healthy lunch. Leftovers are fantastic in wraps, tossed into green salads, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken (along with its juices) into airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get deeper and more inviting overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes remarkably well! Simply portion your cooled Greek chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to cover it with sauce to keep it moist. Label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep things moist. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave; just add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken juicy. Top with fresh herbs and a crumble of feta before serving to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs offer more moisture and flavor, while breasts keep things leaner and just as delicious when cooked properly.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Sliced zucchini, bell pepper, or even artichoke hearts can be added on top of the chicken. They’ll cook down beautifully and soak up all those Greek flavors.
Do I need to sear the chicken beforehand?
You don’t have to, but you certainly can if you want extra depth of flavor. Searing adds a lovely golden color and a hint of caramelization, but the dish will still be flavorful and tender if you skip this step.
How can I make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken spicy?
If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or toss in a few sliced pepperoncini with the olives. The flavors pair wonderfully with a gentle kick.
What’s the best way to use leftovers?
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is insanely versatile. Stuff it in pita wraps, pile it over salads or grain bowls, mix it into pasta, or even add it to a homemade pizza for a unique twist. The sky’s the limit!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is one of those treasures that brings big flavor, minimal effort, and lots of excitement to dinnertime. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, give it a try and enjoy a little burst of Mediterranean sunshine right in your own kitchen!
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Tender chicken, tangy olives, sweet tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese come together with aromatic herbs to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins:
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
- Add the Ingredients: Layer red onion, olives, and tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2 ½ – 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, top with feta and garnish with herbs. Serve with rice, quinoa, or pita.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken for added flavor—adjust cook time accordingly.
- Include zucchini or bell pepper for extra veggies.
- Leftovers are great for wraps or grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
