If you’re searching for a dish that turns humble ingredients into an explosion of Mediterranean flavor, let me guide you straight to the magic of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. This is one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but truly, your slow cooker does all the legwork. The combination of juicy chicken, briny olives, bold seasonings, and creamy feta lifts every bite into comfort food bliss—while filling your home with the aromas of a sun-soaked Greek taverna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe layers on big flavor, gorgeous color, and just the right texture. Even better, these are pantry and fridge staples you likely already have, each playing a crucial role in crafting that unmistakable Mediterranean profile.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless cuts—they stay incredibly tender and soak up all those zesty flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a luscious base for the marinade.
- Fresh lemon juice: Delivers brightness and tang, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic: Four fresh cloves provide classic Mediterranean depth and warmth.
- Red wine vinegar: This sharp touch balances the oil and amps up the Greek flavor.
- Dried oregano: The essential Greek herb—fragrant, earthy, and aromatic.
- Salt: Just enough to bring the whole dish together and highlight every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Lends subtle heat and backbone to the marinade.
- Onion powder: A secret weapon for umami and savory notes without extra chopping.
- Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a lovely golden hue.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a fiery finish—use as much or as little as you prefer.
- Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved, these pack a gorgeous pop of briny, deep flavor.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a little crunch and mild sweetness.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top just before serving for creamy saltiness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered as a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Greek Marinade
Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl and whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and (if you love a touch of heat) red pepper flakes. This combination is pure Greek magic—zesty, savory, and deeply aromatic. Whisk until everything’s gorgeously combined and the marinade is smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Assemble Everything in Your Slow Cooker
Place your chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour that wonderful marinade over the top, making sure every piece is well coated. Layer on the sliced red onion and scatter the kalamata olives in, then give the whole thing a gentle toss to make sure the flavors mingle. At this point, your prep work is absolutely done—the hardest part is waiting for it all to cook!
Step 3: Cook Until Tender and Juicy
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a rush). As it cooks, the chicken will become meltingly tender and infuse with all those Mediterranean seasonings. When it’s ready, the chicken should shred effortlessly or be easily sliced—either works beautifully.
Step 4: Shred and Return to the Juices
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the pieces and either shred them with two forks or slice them as you like. Return the chicken to the delicious, flavor-packed juices in your slow cooker. This step ensures every shred or slice is coated with as much Greek essence as possible!
Step 5: Serve with Feta and Fresh Herbs
Transfer the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken to a serving platter or serve directly from your cooker. Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and shower with chopped fresh parsley. You now have a show-stopping dish ready to wow your friends and family.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Garnishes
No Greek-inspired dish is complete without some thoughtful finishing touches. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, briny burst right at the end, while chopped fresh parsley brings vibrant color and a hint of herby freshness. If you want to dial up the visual appeal, a few extra olives or thin lemon slices never hurt!
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is super versatile, and there are so many dreamy sides to choose from. Scoop it over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa for a classic meal, or pile it into warm pita bread with a swipe of homemade or store-bought tzatziki. Extra roasted veggies, a crisp cucumber salad, or Greek lemon potatoes would all be perfect alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your kitchen into a Mediterranean mezze spread! Serve your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken as part of a build-your-own pita bar with toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and extra feta. Try stirring the chicken into pasta, making power bowls with your favorite grains and greens, or adding it to wraps for a quick, flavorful lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a gift for easy lunches and dinners. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making each bite even tastier the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled chicken (without the garnishes) into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to include a bit of the cooking liquid to keep everything moist. Your Greek chicken will keep splendidly in the freezer for up to 3 months—just label and date to be safe.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to prevent drying out. Don’t forget to finish with fresh feta and parsley for that just-cooked feeling!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but breasts will turn out deliciously tender when cooked on low and not overdone.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?
The dish is flavorful rather than spicy, but the optional crushed red pepper flakes add a little gentle heat. Feel free to adjust up or down, or skip them entirely if you’re cooking for a milder crowd.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini make wonderful additions to the slow cooker. Just slice and add them along with the onions and olives—they’ll soak up all that Greek marinade and add color to your finished dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your cheese and spice brands to be absolutely sure.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is a total lifesaver for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken overnight and dump everything into the slow cooker the next morning, or cook it in advance—leftovers only get more delicious as they sit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s low-effort but rich in sun-drenched flavor, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is the answer. Weeknight or weekend, entertaining or meal-prepping, this is a dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try—you’ll fall head over heels for this Greek classic!
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked in a lemony herb marinade with olives and feta cheese creates a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over the top. Add the red onion and olives. Toss gently to coat. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded or sliced.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken and return it to the juices in the slow cooker. Serve warm, topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- This chicken is perfect served over rice, quinoa, or tucked into pita with tzatziki.
- You can also add sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the slow cooker for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
