Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bursting with bright, savory flavors. Featuring tender chicken slow-cooked with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and herbs, it’s an easy and healthy option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This hands-off recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time—with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of fresh, zesty Greek flavors with little prep time
- Perfect for wraps, grain bowls, salads, or served over rice
- Naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein
- Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have
- Great for batch cooking and meal prepping
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Red onion, sliced
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken broth or water
- Optional: kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or crumbled feta for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Directions
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Place chicken over the onions, then add minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
- Pour in a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: Add olives or tomatoes during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
- Shred or slice the chicken, spoon some of the juices over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, pita, or a crisp Greek salad.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: About 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Variations
- Add potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to cook along with the chicken
- Stir in crumbled feta just before serving for a creamy finish
- Swap lemon juice for red wine vinegar for a tangier flavor
- Use Greek seasoning blends if you have them on hand
- Add a dollop of tzatziki on the side for extra Mediterranean flair
storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet with a bit of broth or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first is recommended for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay juicy and flavorful and work great in this recipe.
What should I serve this with?
Serve it with rice, couscous, quinoa, pita bread, or over a Greek salad.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in the cooker in the morning.
What herbs go best with this dish?
Oregano is key, but thyme, rosemary, parsley, and dill also complement the flavor profile.
Can I make this into a rice bowl?
Yes, layer rice, chopped veggies, and this chicken for a delicious Greek-inspired bowl.
What kind of olives should I use?
Kalamata olives are traditional, but you can use green or black olives if preferred.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Use enough broth and avoid overcooking. Chicken thighs also stay moister than breasts.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a flavorful and healthy meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. With Mediterranean herbs, fresh lemon, and garlic, this dish offers bright, savory notes that work in a variety of meals—from grain bowls to wraps. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a no-fuss dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Greek restaurant.
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Description
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a healthy, flavorful dish made with juicy chicken, lemon, garlic, oregano, and classic Mediterranean ingredients. It’s a hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the leftovers are great in wraps, salads, or rice bowls.
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1/3 cup olive oil
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Juice of 2 lemons
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Zest of 1 lemon
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup kalamata olives (optional)
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it.
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Add sliced red onion and olives (if using).
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Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Optional: Shred or slice the chicken before serving.
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Top with crumbled feta and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
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Serve with rice, couscous, quinoa, or in pita bread with tzatziki.
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Thighs will be more juicy, but breasts work great too.
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For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a Greek salad.