Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Tender, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. This set-it-and-forget-it dish combines succulent chicken thighs with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and briny olives for a dinner that tastes like it came straight from a Greek taverna. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken remains perfectly moist. You’ll learn how to create this effortless Slow Cooker Greek Chicken that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is the ultimate convenience meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity. The hands-off cooking method makes this perfect for busy weeknights, yet the result is impressive enough for weekend entertaining. You’ll love how the chicken becomes fall-apart tender while soaking up all the Mediterranean flavors in the process.

The contrast between the tangy lemon, fragrant oregano, and rich olive oil creates a symphony of flavors that’s incredibly satisfying. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the slightly crisp vegetables and briny olives, providing a wonderful textural experience in every bite.

What truly sets this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken apart is its versatility. It works as a complete one-pot meal, but can easily be served over rice, with pita bread, or alongside a crisp Greek salad for a more substantial dinner. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 cup (175g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (85g) kalamata olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons (6g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The chicken thighs are essential as they remain tender and juicy during the long cooking process, while the combination of herbs creates that authentic Greek flavor profile.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken from good to extraordinary, consider these critical techniques:

First, don’t skip browning the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker. This quick extra step creates a beautiful flavor foundation through the Maillard reaction, adding depth to the final dish. Just heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Second, layer your ingredients strategically. Place the onions and half the garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker, which creates a flavor base and prevents the chicken from sticking. Add the chicken next, then arrange the vegetables, olives, and remaining seasonings around and on top of the chicken for even cooking and flavor distribution.

Finally, timing is everything with this Greek chicken recipe. While it’s tempting to open the lid and check on your creation, resist the urge. Each time you lift the lid, you release heat and add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Set it and forget it for the most tender, flavor-packed results.

Instructions

Step 1
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds tremendous flavor to your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.

Step 2
Place the sliced red onion and half the minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the chicken and prevents it from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3
Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer. Sprinkle with half of the dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining olive oil, and remaining garlic. Whisk together and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 5
Add the bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives around and on top of the chicken. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The slow cooking allows all the Mediterranean flavors to meld beautifully with the chicken.

Step 7
Just before serving, gently stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to slightly melt into the sauce. Garnish your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with the remaining feta and fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Variations

The beauty of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is its adaptability to different dietary needs and preferences. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, simply increase the olive oil to 3 tablespoons and add extra feta cheese. The additional healthy fats make this a satisfying meal without the need for carb-heavy sides.

For a vegetable-forward variation, double the bell peppers and add 2 cups of baby spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt perfectly into the warm dish, adding extra nutrients and a pop of vibrant green color to your Greek chicken dinner.

If you prefer white meat, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, reduce the cooking time to 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to prevent the chicken from becoming dry. You might also want to increase the broth by ¼ cup to ensure the white meat stays moist during the slow cooking process.

Storage and Serving

Your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this an excellent meal prep option. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

For serving, try these Mediterranean-inspired combinations: Spoon the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken over a bed of fluffy lemon rice or orzo pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve with a side of roasted lemon potatoes or a simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and red onion.

For a complete feast, warm some pita bread and prepare a quick tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. The cool tzatziki provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and transforms dinner into an authentic Greek experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
For food safety reasons, it’s best to fully thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. Frozen chicken may remain in the temperature danger zone too long, risking bacterial growth.

What if I don’t have kalamata olives?
While kalamata olives provide authentic Greek flavor to this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, you can substitute black olives or even green olives if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I add potatoes to make this a complete one-pot meal?
Absolutely! Add 1 pound of baby potatoes or quartered red potatoes to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables. They’ll absorb the flavors beautifully and cook to tender perfection.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
The recipe includes feta cheese, which contains dairy. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

My sauce is too thin, how can I thicken it?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables after cooking. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Simmer until thickened, then pour back over the chicken.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a Mediterranean-inspired dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, prompting conversations to flow as freely as the delicious sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or entertaining weekend guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken create a meal that satisfies both body and soul, proving that truly delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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