If you’re craving a dish that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors straight to your table with effortless ease, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender, juicy chicken with fragrant herbs, tangy lemon, briny olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a rich and soulful meal. The slow cooker does all the magic, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. When it’s time to eat, you’re greeted with a delightful dish worthy of any dinner celebration or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe requires a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own character to the dish. From bright lemon juice to aromatic herbs and briny Kalamata olives, every component adds depth and authenticity to the final flavor profile.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein foundation soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and a silky texture, essential to Greek cooking.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brings fresh, tart brightness to balance the savory notes.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic herbiness that screams Mediterranean.
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Offers subtle earthiness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Perfectly seasons and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and a bit of bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses savory depth during cooking.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved: Their salty, fruity pop adds texture and character.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings tangy, concentrated tomato flavor for richness.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: The perfect creamy and salty topping to finish the dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
Begin by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This vibrant marinade sets the stage for the dish, combining citrusy brightness with herbal warmth and a touch of spice. Trust me, this mixture is where the magic starts.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Pour the Marinade
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating a cozy bed for the marinade to soak in. Pour the fragrant olive oil and lemon marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets well coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Step 3: Add the Broth, Olives, and Sun-dried Tomatoes
For extra moisture and that quintessential Greek punch, add the chicken broth, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker on top of the chicken. These ingredients simmer together to create a beautifully rich, savory sauce that will impress with every spoonful.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience is key here, as slow cooking tenderizes the chicken perfectly while allowing all the flavors to meld into a harmonious Mediterranean masterpiece.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Fresh Parsley
Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top while it’s still warm. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a final burst of color and herbal freshness that makes this dish truly shine on the dinner table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley isn’t just about looks—it layers in creamy texture and fresh herbal aroma that complements the briny and tangy elements of the dish. A quick sprinkle of extra oregano or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate it even further.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy couscous, warm pita bread for dipping into those lovely juices, or a crisp Greek salad to add crunch and brightness. Roasted vegetables or lemony rice also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful family-style presentation, serve the chicken and its sauce in a rustic dish surrounded by olives and lemon wedges. Alternatively, shred the chicken and use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed pita pockets, topped with tzatziki sauce for a fun and casual twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for delicious next-day meals. Simply keep the sauce and chicken together to retain moisture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. The slow cooker magic holds up well to freezing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a little olive oil during reheating helps maintain that luscious texture and depth of flavor that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will work well and add extra richness. Just increase the cooking time slightly and check for doneness before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a regular oven instead of a slow cooker?
You certainly can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes covered with foil, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid drying out.
Can I adjust the herbs if I don’t have oregano or thyme?
Yes, feel free to substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary and basil for a slightly different but still delicious Greek-inspired flavor.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild but flavorful. If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili to the marinade for a subtle kick.
What if I don’t like olives or sun-dried tomatoes?
You can leave them out or swap in other ingredients like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for a different Mediterranean twist. The slow cooker will still deliver fantastic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe truly captures the warmth and zest of Mediterranean cooking with very little effort on your part. It’s a surefire way to impress family and friends, or simply treat yourself to a soul-satisfying meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the beautiful blend of flavors that makes this dish a beloved classic!
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with minimal effort, perfect for an easy and delicious 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.
- Arrange chicken in slow cooker: Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly inside the slow cooker.
- Add marinade and other ingredients: Pour the prepared olive oil mixture over the chicken breasts. Then add the chicken broth, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves before serving for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- For a more intense tomato flavor, rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes in hot water before chopping.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the chicken in a covered casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
