Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that delivers bright flavors, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and effortless preparation, you’ll fall in love with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. This dish is a savory celebration of Mediterranean classics, brimming with juicy chicken, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta, and vibrant herbs. Everything simmers gently in your slow cooker, making it dreamy for busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike. A true crowd-pleaser, it’s bound to earn a spot among your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe shines because it relies on everyday ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays an important role—either building layers of flavor, supplying delicious texture, or contributing a splash of rich color. Here’s what you need to bring this Greek-inspired feast to life:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy, boneless cuts are perfect for soaking up all those Greek flavors and stay tender after slow cooking.
- Olive oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking, it gives the marinade richness and helps carry the flavors into the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Adds tangy brightness that wakes up every bite, balancing the olive oil and earthy herbs.
- Garlic: A generous hit of minced garlic infuses the dish with unmistakable depth and aroma.
- Red wine vinegar: This boost of acidity intensifies the marinade for that authentic Greek taste.
- Dried oregano: A must for Greek recipes, offering bold, herby flavor you’ll notice right away.
- Dried thyme: Brings gentle, woodsy notes that round out the herbs in the marinade.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors and seasoning the chicken evenly.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a little kick in every mouthful.
- Onion powder: A handy way to deliver oniony sweetness that permeates the chicken as it cooks.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Toss these in for a gentle, warming heat if a hint of spice is your thing.
- Sliced red onion: Adds sweetness and color, turning beautifully tender as it simmers with the chicken.
- Pitted Kalamata olives: Their salty brininess instantly transports you to the Mediterranean coast.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkled on at the end, this creamy topper brings a tangy, salty finish each time.
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges: For serving—these bright garnishes keep the plate feeling fresh and lively.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
This is where the magic begins! Whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and, if you crave a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Combining these ingredients in a bowl allows all the aromatic herbs and bright citrus flavors to marry perfectly, creating a marinade that will soak deep into your chicken and make it irresistible.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Veggies
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour that delicious marinade over the top, ensuring every piece is coated. Scatter the sliced red onion and Kalamata olives over the chicken. The onions will turn silky and the olives will spice up the flavor party as everything simmers together.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its low and slow magic! Set it on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. The Slow Cooker Greek Chicken will become extra juicy and tender, effortlessly shredding with a fork when it’s done, and the whole kitchen will smell like a Greek taverna by the end.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. The feta gently melts from the heat, tying the dish together with creamy, tangy notes and a pop of green. Add lemon wedges to the side for anyone who adores an extra burst of sunshiney flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
A good garnish does more than look pretty—it adds contrast, aroma, and extra zing. For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, a shower of crumbled feta and a handful of chopped fresh parsley offer brightness and a pop of color. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone squeeze on as much citrusy punch as they like, making each plate feel custom and lively.
Side Dishes
This is a dish that begs for a simple, classic accompaniment. Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with fluffy rice, al dente orzo, or warm, pillowy pita bread to soak up all those savory juices. If you want a cool, creamy component, add a side of tzatziki—the garlicky yogurt dip balances the dish perfectly. For a veggie boost, a crisp Greek salad never hurts.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no wrong way to bring this delicious chicken to the table! If you’re packing up lunch, tuck juicy pieces into wheat wraps with greens and tomatoes. For a dinner party, try serving it as the centerpiece of a Mediterranean grain bowl, layered with quinoa, cucumber, and roasted veggies. Or go for a family-style platter, letting guests assemble their own pita sandwiches right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the beauties of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is how well it stores for future meals. Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them (with all those lovely olives and onions) into an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 4 days, ready for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, this dish is freezer-friendly. Portion the cooled chicken, olives, and onions into freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible for best freshness, then lay flat in the freezer. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just don’t forget to label!
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can add a little splash of water or chicken broth to help keep everything moist and luscious. If you stored it with feta, add an extra little sprinkle after warming for that signature creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs work wonderfully and stay super juicy. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Is it better to cook on low or high in the slow cooker?
Slow cooking on low yields the most tender and succulent chicken, perfect for making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken that shreds effortlessly. But if you’re short on time, high works too—just watch that it doesn’t overcook.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight in the fridge deepens the flavors even more. Simply mix up the chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag or bowl, refrigerate, then add everything to the slow cooker when you’re ready.
What’s the best way to use leftovers?
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is perfect wrapped in pita, tossed into salads, or added to a grain bowl with warm orzo or quinoa. It even makes a super flavorful base for meal-prep lunch boxes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The main dish itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of sides—pair with gluten-free grains or gluten-free pita if you’re avoiding wheat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with something satisfying, full of sunny flavors, and easy as can be, give Slow Cooker Greek Chicken a whirl. Whether you serve it for a family meal or prep it ahead for lunchboxes, it’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every savory bite!
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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 is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare. With a Mediterranean-inspired marinade and a mix of olives and feta cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Add red onion and olives on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish: Sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley before serving. Serve with rice, orzo, warm pita, and tzatziki if desired.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Recipe works well with bone-in chicken thighs.
- Leftovers are great for wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
