Name: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488202H16M43S
Total time: PT-488202H16M43S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 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

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly magical about the simplicity and flavor of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon, fragrant oregano, and thyme, all slowly cooked to perfection in a cozy slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, effortlessly combining Greek-inspired flavors that transport your dinner straight to the Mediterranean. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to return to again and again.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken so irresistible. Each element adds layers of fresh, savory notes and rich textures that bring the dish to life, while keeping the process delightfully simple.

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
1 onion, thinly sliced: Offers sweetness and depth as it slowly caramelizes on the chicken.
¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a savory base to the sauce.
1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Brings a bright, zesty pop that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness to the marinade.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of robust flavor that’s classic in Greek cooking.
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: This herb is the star of Greek seasoning, giving an earthy, aromatic touch.
1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: A subtle yet savory complement to oregano that enhances the herbal profile.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the onion thinly to ensure it cooks down tenderly and releases its natural sweetness throughout the chicken. Mince the garlic finely so that every bite bursts with that delectable garlicky aroma. Having everything ready beforehand makes the assembly smooth and quick.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Onions

Place the chicken pieces evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, pile the sliced onions right on top of the chicken. This layering traps moisture and flavor, allowing the onions to gently steam and infuse the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This simple yet vibrant sauce is the heart of the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, giving it that unmistakable Mediterranean character. Pour it evenly over the chicken and onions to soak every bit of the dish in those lovely herbs and citrus notes.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW, letting the chicken cook for 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, choose HIGH if you’re short on time, cooking for 3 to 4 hours instead. The slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy while soaking up every drop of the delicious seasoning.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C and is tender enough to shred, use two forks right in the slow cooker to pull it apart. This step lets the chicken absorb even more of the flavorful juices, making each bite mouthwateringly succulent and ready for your favorite sides.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Garnishes

You can elevate your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or dill on top at serving time. A few crumbles of feta cheese or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and an authentic Greek touch that will impress any guest.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like fluffy rice, oregano-spiced roasted potatoes, or buttery couscous. If you want to keep it light and bright, serve it alongside a classic Greek salad filled with cucumber, tomato, olives, and red onion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the shredded Slow Cooker Greek Chicken into warm pita pockets with tzatziki sauce and crisp vegetables for an easy gyro-style meal. You can also use it as a protein boost on top of a grain bowl or as a filling for savory wraps for a quick lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick meal prep during the week.

Freezing

If you want to save it for a longer period, freezing the chicken is a great option. Freeze in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through and juicy again.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for easy shredding, you can use bone-in pieces. Just be sure to increase cooking time slightly and remove bones before shredding.

Is it possible to make this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken without a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for the oven by baking the chicken covered at 350°F for about 1 hour or until tender, but the slow cooker really brings out the depth of flavor paired with effortless cooking.

What if I want to make it spicier?

Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking for a subtle kick that still keeps with the Mediterranean vibe.

Can leftovers be used in other dishes?

Absolutely! Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is perfect in wraps, salads, quesadillas, or mixed into pasta dishes for added flavor and protein.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Always use a meat thermometer for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste, give this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken a try. It’s a cozy, aromatic dish that fills your home with wonderful smells and brings smiles around the table. Once you make it, I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, perfect for weeknights or anytime you crave a little Mediterranean sunshine.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked with aromatic herbs, garlic, and lemon in a slow cooker. Perfect for a hands-off meal served with rice, pasta, pita, or a fresh Greek salad.

Instructions

Prep: Prepare all your ingredients by slicing the onion thinly and mincing the garlic. Ensure your chicken is trimmed of any excess fat.
Layer Chicken and Onion: Place the chicken pieces evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread the thinly sliced onion over the top of the chicken to add flavor and moisture.
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 well combined.
Add Marinade: Pour this marinade mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker to ensure every piece absorbs the flavors.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 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 shredded chicken to soak up the delicious juices for maximum flavor.
Serve: Serve the shredded Greek chicken warm alongside rice, pasta, pita bread, or atop a fresh Greek salad for a delightful meal.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and darker flavor; chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
You can double the recipe for larger gatherings; just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or chopped kalamata olives at serving enhances the Greek flavor.
For a gluten-free meal, serve with gluten-free grains or salads instead of pita or pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Greek