Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that tastes like a Mediterranean getaway, look no further than this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. Packed with zesty lemon, briny olives, juicy chicken, and a flurry of fresh herbs and spices, this dish is as effortless as it is flavorful. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into something remarkably tender and aromatic. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant spirit of Greece right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one adds its own magic—whether it’s a hit of citrus, a savory depth, or that unmistakable Greek flair. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: These become meltingly tender in the slow cooker and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to every piece of chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice: Gives the dish its bright, tangy character and balances the savory notes.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that enhances the Greek profile of the marinade.
- Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb, offering an earthy, slightly minty essence.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth to each bite.
- Paprika: Lends a hint of sweetness and a gorgeous color to the dish.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the marinade with mellow, savory notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds just the right amount of spice.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps create a flavorful sauce.
- Pitted Kalamata olives: Bring a briny, salty pop that truly makes this dish Greek.
- Red onion: Adds sweetness, crunch, and beautiful color when cooked down.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkled on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The final flourish for freshness and a burst of color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and (if you’re in the mood) crushed red pepper flakes. This marinade is the heart of the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, infusing the chicken with bold, sun-kissed flavors.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Marinade
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts right into the slow cooker. Pour the zippy marinade over the chicken, turning each piece to ensure it’s fully coated. A little massage with the marinade now means maximum flavor later!
Step 3: Add Broth, Olives, and Red Onion
Pour in the chicken broth for moisture, then scatter the pitted Kalamata olives and thinly sliced red onion over the top. These ingredients not only add color and texture but also infuse the chicken with even more Mediterranean essence as everything cooks together.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 5 to 6 hours, or high for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is juicy, tender, and practically falls apart with a gentle fork twist. The wait is so worth it—the aroma alone will tempt everyone into the kitchen!
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Parsley
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, sprinkle it generously with crumbled feta cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The feta melts just slightly, adding creaminess and tang, while the parsley brings a fresh, herby lift to every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, always go big with the garnishes. Scatter extra crumbled feta, a squeeze of lemon, and a shower of freshly chopped parsley over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, a few additional olives or a drizzle of good olive oil will make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
The Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over fluffy rice, nutty orzo, or even tuck it into pillowy warm pita bread. Roasted veggies, a crisp Greek salad, or lemony potatoes are all fantastic companions for soaking up those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dish into a dazzling grain bowl with quinoa, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, or use it as a hearty filling for wraps and gyros. It’s also delicious piled onto a platter with mezze favorites like hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita wedges for a festive, shareable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more mouthwatering.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer-friendly superstar. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the chicken seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back its juicy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving, but breasts are a great lean option and soak up the flavors just as beautifully.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the feta cheese or use your favorite dairy-free feta alternative. The chicken will still be packed with Mediterranean flavor and just as satisfying.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk up the marinade and even let the chicken soak in it for up to 4 hours in the fridge before cooking. This makes the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe even more flavorful and is perfect for busy days.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Pair it with rice, orzo, or pita bread, and add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad. These sides complement the flavors and turn this dish into a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or potatoes if you’re avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. With its vibrant flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your home!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked low and slow with a zesty marinade of lemon, garlic, and oregano. Enhanced with Kalamata olives, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it’s a delightful Mediterranean dish perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, turning to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and top with pitted Kalamata olives and thinly sliced red onion to add moisture and complementary flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the chicken on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm alongside rice, orzo, or warm pita bread as desired.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking.
- This dish can also be used as a delicious filling for wraps or grain bowls.
- Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness or omit if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
