Tender Greek Chicken Recipe: Effortless Juicy Slow Cooker Magic

Tender chicken breasts soaked in zesty mediterranean slow cooker greek chicken flavors promise a mouthwatering dinner that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

Herbs and spices mingle with succulent meat, creating a delectable meal that’s both effortless and impressive.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a delicious weeknight solution.

Garlic, oregano, and lemon juice dance together, infusing each bite with authentic Greek warmth.

The slow cooker works its magic, ensuring every piece of chicken remains incredibly moist and packed with flavor.

Serve this aromatic dish over rice or with a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular this recipe can be.

How to Slow Cook Greek Chicken with Mediterranean Flavors

• Whisk Mediterranean Marinade

Create a flavor-packed liquid by blending olive oil, bright lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, tangy red wine vinegar, aromatic oregano, earthy thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

• Layer Chicken and Companions

Nestle chicken pieces into the slow cooker, generously coating them with the prepared marinade. Scatter sliced red onions and briny olives across the top for extra depth of flavor.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low setting for 5-6 hours or high setting for 2.5-3.5 hours until the chicken becomes wonderfully tender and fully cooked.

• Final Flourish

Once done, decide whether to shred or slice the chicken. Crown your creation with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to elevate the dish with a burst of Mediterranean flair.

Add-Ins That Work for Greek-Inspired Chicken

• Cook chicken on low heat for maximum tenderness, allowing the marinade to slowly infuse flavors and break down protein fibers.
• Shred the cooked chicken and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, perfect for quick salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
• For extra depth, toast dried oregano in a dry skillet before adding to the marinade to enhance its aromatic qualities.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain a similar Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Serving Greek Chicken with Rice, Veggies, or Pita

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Serve the tender Greek chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or herbed rice, creating a delicious base that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
• Greek Salad Companion: Pair the chicken with a crisp cucumber, tomato, and feta salad dressed in olive oil and lemon, complementing the dish's bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Wrap It Up: Transform the shredded chicken into soft pita wraps with tzatziki sauce, adding fresh lettuce and extra crumbled feta for a quick and satisfying meal option.
• Rustic Bread Side: Offer warm, crusty Greek bread or pita on the side to soak up the delicious cooking juices and create a complete, hearty dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes in Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a silky coating for the chicken.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Brightens the dish with tangy citrus notes and tenderizes the meat.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a subtle acidic punch and helps balance the richness.
• Oregano, Thyme: Essential Greek herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean warmth and earthiness.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and round out the overall taste profile.

• Chicken: Select bone-in or boneless pieces depending on preference; choose fresh, high-quality cuts for best results.

• Red Onion: Adds crisp texture and mild, sweet undertones to complement the chicken.
• Olives: Introduces briny, salty complexity; optional but traditional in Greek cuisine.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that provides a signature Greek touch.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh green notes and visual appeal to the final dish.

Tools That Help You Get Greek Chicken Tender and Bright

• Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, flavorful chicken that cooks slowly and evenly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Great for slicing red onions and chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and chicken shredding.

Store Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Sauce on the Side

• Prepare multiple batches of this Greek chicken and store in portion-sized containers for quick weekday meals that stay fresh up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled chicken in airtight freezer containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals remain delicious for 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Transform remaining chicken into salads, wraps, grain bowls, or Mediterranean-style quesadillas for exciting meal variations that keep your taste buds entertained without feeling like repeated leftovers.

Juicy Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired Slow Cooker Chicken brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables, blending tender meat with zesty herbs and tangy olives. Fragrant rosemary and lemon elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish, promising a delightful meal anyone can easily prepare and savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 lemon, zested
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75 g) kalamata olives (optional)
• ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer chicken into the slow cooker, ensuring an even coating with the prepared marinade, then strategically layer sliced red onion and kalamata olives across the protein.
3. Cooking Process: Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the chicken to gently simmer and tenderize for 5-6 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 2.5-3.5 hours until the meat reaches optimal tenderness and is fully cooked through.
4. Finishing Touches: Once cooking is complete, carefully shred or slice the chicken, then garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Allow chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before slow cooking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Check chicken periodically to prevent overcooking, adding a splash of chicken broth if the meat seems dry during cooking.
• Substitute chicken thighs for breasts to increase juiciness, or use boneless skinless chicken for easier shredding and serving.
• Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to marinade to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 75mg