Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean sunshine and effortless charm, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is just what you need. Combining juicy chicken breasts with vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, oregano, and tangy Kalamata olives, all slow-cooked to tender perfection, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from a Greek taverna. What makes it even better? You let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, coming home to an aromatic, mouthwatering delight that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weeknight feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s adding brightness, savoriness, or that perfect hint of briny goodness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender, lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious marinade flavors.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist and succulent during cooking.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brings bright, zesty acidity that balances the richness wonderfully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses deep, aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that gives an earthy, slightly bitter note.
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Provides subtle floral undertones to layer the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors while seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved: Adds striking color and that iconic briny punch Greek cuisine is famous for.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers sweet, concentrated tomato notes and chewy texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: The perfect salty finishing touch layered right on top before serving.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Lends a fresh, herbal brightness and vibrant green color to the final presentation.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until it forms a fragrant and inviting marinade that perfectly captures the flavors of Greece. This mixture is your chicken’s flavorful bath that will infuse deeply during slow cooking.
Step 2: Place the chicken in the slow cooker
Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated with those vibrant herbs and citrus notes. This step ensures your chicken will be juicy and rich in flavor.
Step 3: Add olives, tomatoes, and broth
Scatter the halved Kalamata olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth. The broth enhances moisture while the olives and tomatoes introduce that iconic Mediterranean pop in every bite, giving the dish layers of delicious complexity.
Step 4: Slow cook to perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method works wonders here, making the chicken incredibly tender and allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender to the touch and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Finish with feta and parsley
Once your chicken is cooked, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. The salty, creamy feta melts slightly from the heat, creating a luscious topping. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color that makes this dish truly shine.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must to brighten up your plate, but you can also add thin lemon slices or a few additional Kalamata olives on the side. These garnishes add visual appeal and reinforce the fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple Greek salad loaded with cucumber, tomato, and red onion. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or herbed quinoa work beautifully to soak up the flavorful juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or tucked inside warm pita bread with tzatziki and fresh veggies for a delightful Greek-inspired sandwich. You can also shred the cooked chicken for wraps or top your favorite grain bowl with it for an easy yet elegant meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a quick dinner solution.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead in bulk, freeze cooked chicken in portions within freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep it moist during thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the meat tender and juicy. Slow and careful reheating helps maintain the delicious texture and flavor that make this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are well-suited for slow cooking and will become tender and flavorful, often even juicier than breasts. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful depth of sweetness and chewiness, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes or omit them if you prefer. The dish will still be delicious and full of Greek flair.
Can I make this recipe without olives?
Yes, you can omit the Kalamata olives if you’re not a fan. However, they provide a signature briny kick that complements the other ingredients beautifully and is worth trying at least once!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try a mild goat cheese or even a crumbly ricotta salata. These alternatives maintain a similar tang and texture that finishes the dish nicely.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Using the slow cooker on low heat helps keep the chicken tender and juicy. Also, make sure to include the chicken broth and olive oil mixture, which creates a moist cooking environment essential for perfect results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe enough. It’s a true crowd-pleaser combining bright, rustic Mediterranean flavors with effortless preparation. Give it a try and let your slow cooker do the magic—your taste buds and schedule will thank you!
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Enhanced with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and finished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, it delivers a delicious Mediterranean taste with minimal effort, ideal for a hearty and elegant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Combine Chicken and Marinade: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, then pour the prepared olive oil and lemon mixture evenly over the chicken ensuring all pieces are coated with the marinade.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then scatter the halved Kalamata olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken in the slow cooker to infuse more Mediterranean flavors during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken breasts, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a rich, savory meal with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- For a more intense garlic flavor, you can increase the garlic cloves to 6.
- If you prefer less salty dishes, reduce the amount of salt or omit the olives.
- Serve this chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- The slow cooker times may vary slightly depending on your model, so check the chicken periodically past the minimum cooking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
