If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that instantly transports your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to. Tender, juicy chicken loaded with lemon, garlic, and herbs, all cooked to perfection—what could possibly be better?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-&-Forget Simplicity: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Bright Mediterranean Flavors: The perfect blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs means every bite bursts with zesty freshness.
- Versatility Galore: Serve this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken over rice, tucked in pita, tossed in salad, or even with pasta—endless meal options.
- Naturally Healthy: High-protein, low-fuss, and full of wholesome, nourishing ingredients the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few pantry staples—plus a splash of citrus—bring this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken together. Every ingredient serves a delicious purpose, building layers of tangy, herb-laced flavor and juicy texture in every forkful.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (2 lbs): Thighs are my top pick for extra tenderness, but breasts work beautifully for a leaner result.
- Onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and moisture, practically melting into the sauce as it cooks.
- Chicken broth (¼ cup): Keeps everything juicy and helps infuse the chicken with savory flavor—but feel free to skip if you’re out, your chicken will still be moist!
- Lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): The star ingredient that gives our Greek chicken its irresistible brightness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Pulls together all the flavors and helps keep the chicken lusciously moist.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Bold, pungent garlic infuses warmth and depth throughout the dish.
- Dried oregano (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for that classic Greek herby kick—don’t hold back.
- Dried thyme (1 ½ teaspoons): Elevates the dish with its earthy, aromatic notes.
- Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all those wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right background heat and a little zing.
Variations
One of the things I love most about Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is its flexibility—you can mix it up to fit your pantry, your dietary needs, or whatever flavors you’re currently craving. Here are some of my favorite spins on the classic:
- Add some veggies: Toss sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini into the slow cooker for a built-in side.
- Make it dairy-rich: Crumble feta cheese over the hot, shredded chicken right before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Go low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice, tossed greens, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
- Switch the protein: Swap chicken for turkey breast or even pork tenderloin for a fun twist—just keep an eye on cook times!
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Layer Chicken and Onion
Start by placing the chicken—whether you prefer juicy thighs or leaner breasts—right in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the thinly sliced onion over the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. The onion will practically disappear into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness and keeping the chicken ultra-moist as it cooks.
Step 2: Mix the Zesty Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. This punchy marinade is where the classic Greek flavors come alive—don’t skimp on the lemon or herbs!
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour your marinade slowly and evenly over the chicken and onions, making sure every piece gets a little love. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to LOW for 5–6 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours), and walk away—the hardest part is resisting the incredible aroma that’ll fill your kitchen as the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken gets perfectly tender.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, use two forks to shred it right inside the slow cooker. This way, the chicken soaks up all those flavorful juices before you serve. Now you’re ready for a delicious Greek-style meal that needs almost zero effort to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Juiciest Results: Opt for boneless chicken thighs if you want melt-in-your-mouth texture—simply trim excess fat ahead of time for best results.
- Check Your Cooker: Every slow cooker runs a bit differently, so peek in 30–60 minutes early the first time to avoid overcooked chicken.
- Don’t Skip the Shred: Shredding the chicken right in the slow cooker lets it soak up all the flavorful juices, making every bite extra saucy.
- Zest it Up: For even more citrus punch, add a little lemon zest to the marinade or as a garnish before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
Take your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken to the next level with an irresistible topping or two—think freshly chopped parsley, a generous squeeze of lemon, crumbled feta, or even a dusting of extra dried oregano. These little touches add a pop of color and a refreshing finish that makes every plate feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
For a truly satisfying meal, serve this Greek chicken over fluffy rice, orzo pasta, or tucked inside a toasted pita with a side of tzatziki and Greek salad. Roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or couscous work brilliantly too—whatever you have on hand will pair with these zippy, versatile flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, stuff the chicken into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy bite, or pile it onto flatbread for DIY gyros night. You can also sprinkle it over a big chopped Greek salad or layer it in meal-prep bowls with grains, olives, and cucumber for healthy lunches all week long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken keep beautifully! Store any extra chicken (with a little bit of the cooking juice) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better after a day or two, making lunch the next day especially delicious.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags with a bit of the sauce to prevent drying. Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. Just be careful not to overcook—the chicken is already tender and perfect!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe?
For food safety, it’s best to thaw your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. While some newer models can handle frozen meat, starting with fresh or thawed chicken ensures even cooking and the best texture.
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How can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy- and gluten-free as written! Just make sure any sides you serve (like pitas or grains) fit your dietary needs, or swap in gluten-free alternatives.
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Is it possible to double the recipe for meal prep or a big crowd?
Absolutely! Double everything and layer in your slow cooker—just ensure the lid still fits snugly, and you may want to add an extra 30–60 minutes to the cook time if your slow cooker is very full. Shredding the chicken helps it soak up even more sauce, perfect for serving a crowd.
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Can I prep Slow Cooker Greek Chicken the night before?
You sure can! Arrange the chicken and onions in the crock, pour the marinade over, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you’re all set—just pop the slow cooker insert into the base and cook as directed. Dinner could not be simpler.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken—it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and your table with happy smiles. Whether you pile it into pitas, heap it over rice, or toss it into a salad, I know this easy, zesty recipe will become a fast family favorite. Enjoy every bite!
PrintSlow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a busy day. Tender chicken cooked with onions, lemon, and herbs in a slow cooker for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced onion on top of the chicken.
- Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C.
- Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker so it can soak up the juices. Serve warm with rice, pasta, pita, or on top of a Greek salad!
Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker.
Notes
- No broth on hand? You can skip it. The chicken will have a few less juices but still remain moist.
- All slow cookers differ slightly in temperature and cooking times, so use the cooking time that is best for your model. I recommend checking the chicken a little early to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
- While I’ve used both chicken breast and thighs in this recipe, I prefer to use chicken thighs for the most tender and juicy chicken. If you use thighs, trim off any excess fat before cooking if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg