Name: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h 30 min
Total time: 5 h 40 min
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

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean charm and effortless flavor, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. It’s the perfect mix of juicy, tender chicken infused with zesty lemon, earthy oregano, and fragrant garlic—all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe makes Greek-inspired cooking both simple and incredibly satisfying.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating a mouthwatering Slow Cooker Greek Chicken that tastes like it was whipped up by a Greek nonna. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor and a texture so tender it melts in your mouth.

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts work well too for a leaner option.
1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a soft texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses a subtle savory base note.
1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons): Brings bright, tangy freshness that wakes up the dish.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A classic Mediterranean staple for richness and a silky sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives that unmistakable punch of flavor that pairs so well with herbs.
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: The herb signature to Greek cuisine, adding earthiness and depth.
1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds an aromatic, slightly minty note that balances the flavors.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps the chicken stay juicy.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs directly in the slow cooker. Using skinless cuts ensures the flavors can really seep in without being blocked by skin. Next, add the thinly sliced onions on top—these will soften as they cook and add a subtle sweetness to every bite.

Step 2: Whisk the Magic Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This vibrant blend is the heart of your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, delivering that signature Greek flavor profile and tenderizing the meat as it simmers.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the aromatic mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is well-coated so every piece picks up the tang and herbaceous goodness. Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for irresistibly tender chicken that reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Shred and Soak Up the Goodness

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This step allows the shredded meat to absorb all the flavorful juices, making every forkful juicy and deeply savory. Give it a good stir to mix everything together before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Garnishes

To bring your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken to life on the plate, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and herbal freshness. A few crumbles of feta cheese add that creamy, salty contrast that complements the lemony chicken perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of tzatziki sauce can turn this meal into a Greek feast.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the juices. For a lighter touch, try serving it over warm pita bread or alongside a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives. Roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers are also excellent companions that keep the Mediterranean vibe alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Fancy jazzing up your presentation? Try stuffing the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken into warm pita pockets, topped with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers for a portable meal. You can also layer it over a bed of orzo or quinoa for a grain bowl with plenty of texture and flavor. For Taco Tuesday with a twist, serve it in soft tortillas with a squeeze of fresh lemon and dollop of yogurt instead of traditional salsa.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners during the busy week.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully! Portion out the cooled chicken and juices into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the luscious juices. Stir occasionally until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs work well but will require a bit more cooking time. The bones add extra flavor and moisture, but make sure to check doneness carefully.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chicken and all ingredients on the stove over low heat for about 1 to 1½ hours until tender, or bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

The recipe itself is naturally dairy-free, so simply skip feta or tzatziki garnishes, or use dairy-free alternatives if desired.

What cut of chicken is best for shredding?

Chicken thighs are often preferred for shredding due to their higher fat content, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful. However, chicken breasts will still work if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Feel free to add chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes about halfway through cooking for a veggie boost that complements the flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite because of its ease and irresistible flavor. It’s cozy enough for a comforting weeknight meal yet special enough to impress guests without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your slow cooker rotation forever.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with classic Greek herbs and citrus. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish combines simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme to create a delicious meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, pita, or a fresh Greek salad.

Instructions

Prep: Gather and prepare all ingredients by slicing the onion thinly and mincing the garlic cloves.
Layer Chicken and Onion: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker and spread the thinly sliced onions evenly on top.
Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour Marinade: Evenly pour the seasoned marinade mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken becomes tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Shred: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker to allow it to absorb all the flavorful juices.
Serve: Serve the shredded chicken warm alongside rice, pasta, pita bread, or over a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding kalamata olives or crumbled feta when serving.
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, though chicken breast works well too.
Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Greek