If there’s one cozy, flavor-packed dinner I come back to again and again, it’s Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Tender chicken thighs soak up bright lemon, rosemary, oregano, and garlic as they stew to perfection, then get finished with flecks of feta and briny Kalamata olives. It tastes like a Mediterranean vacation, but takes almost no work — and your kitchen smells absolutely magical. If you love effortless dinners with an explosion of Greek-inspired flavor, you’re about to fall in love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each one adds a special note to the finished dish. From zesty lemon juice to creamy feta, every component brings its own zing, texture, or color that turns basic chicken into something spectacular.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): These stay incredibly moist during the long simmer, soaking up major flavor.
- Olive oil (1/3 cup): Adds rich, fruity depth and keeps everything tender and succulent.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): The secret to that signature Greek tang—don’t skip it!
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): For irresistible aroma and depth; use fresh for the best punch.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): This classic Mediterranean herb gives unmistakable Greek flair.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Makes every flavor sing.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For just a hint of peppery warmth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Heightens the savoriness and balances out bright lemon.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Use for a subtle kick—but totally up to you.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the chicken juicy and builds a flavorful sauce base.
- Sliced red onion (1/2 cup): Adds color, sweetness, and gorgeous texture.
- Pitted Kalamata olives (1/2 cup): A pop of salty, briny bite—quintessentially Greek!
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): The creamy, salty finish that brings it all together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): A sprinkle of freshness and bright green appeal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Start by nestling your chicken thighs in a snug, even layer at the base of your slow cooker. This helps every piece soak evenly in all the saucy goodness to come.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Give it a cheerful whisk until everything is blended and smells amazing—it’s the flavor backbone for your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.
Step 3: Pour, Add Veggies and Olives
Drizzle the marinade all over the chicken. Next, pour in the chicken broth, then scatter red onion slices and Kalamata olives over the top. Don’t stir! Leaving the chicken on the bottom helps it cook evenly and get ultra-tender.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours), and let the magic happen. The chicken will soak up flavor, get fall-apart juicy, and make your kitchen smell like a mythological Greek feast.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Parsley
Right before serving, scatter crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top. The feta melts just a touch, turning creamy, and the parsley brightens everything up beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! Crumbled feta and fresh parsley bring a creamy, salty, and herby finish that really lifts this dish. A fresh squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of extra oregano is wonderful too—simple, bold, and effortlessly Greek.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken begs to be paired with fluffy rice, tender quinoa, warm pita bread, or a pile of roasted potatoes. For a lighter touch, a Greek salad or some garlicky steamed vegetables work perfectly on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try heaping this Greek chicken into pita pockets for a handheld meal, or spoon it over a big Mediterranean grain bowl with extra veggies. It’s also irresistible as a taco wrap with a bit of tzatziki and tomato!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled Slow Cooker Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
This dish is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, omitting the feta and parsley until after reheating. Freeze for up to three months for effortless Greek night down the road.
Reheating
Reheat Slow Cooker Greek Chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep things juicy. Add fresh parsley and feta just before serving to keep those flavors bright.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work, though keep an eye on the timing—they cook a little faster and can get dry, so check for doneness early for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the sides or accompaniments you serve it with are also gluten-free if that’s important for your meal.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely—feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. They’ll mingle with the chicken and infuse the dish with even more color and nutrition.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Just leave out the feta cheese (or use a dairy-free alternative). The chicken will still be rich, savory, and super flavorful.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
You can whisk the marinade and prep the chicken a day ahead—just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to start the slow cooker. From there, it’s hands-off magic.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience just how easy and delicious Slow Cooker Greek Chicken can be, it might just earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation. If you’re ready for bold, fresh flavor and ultra-tender chicken—without hours in the kitchen—give this Mediterranean treasure a try soon!
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs infused with lemon, oregano, and olives, topped with feta and fresh parsley, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additions:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, red onion, and olives.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Finish: Before serving, top with feta and parsley. Serve with rice, quinoa, or pita.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
- For a dairy-free option, omit or use dairy-free feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
