Picture this: it’s Tuesday, you’re juggling work, errands, and maybe a kid or two asking what’s for dinner—and your house smells like a cozy Greek taverna. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, the kind of dish that practically cooks itself while you get on with life.
As someone who firmly believes chicken should never be boring, I can say with confidence—this one’s a keeper. It’s bursting with bright lemon, savory garlic, and those classic Mediterranean herbs that instantly transport you somewhere sun-soaked and beautiful.
And the best part? This recipe is as easy as tossing a few things into your slow cooker and letting time (and a little bit of chicken magic) do the rest. Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or just when you’re craving a dinner that tastes way fancier than the effort involved.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Minimal Prep: We’re talking maybe 10 minutes. Your future self will thank you.
- Big Flavors: Lemon, garlic, olive oil… is your mouth watering yet?
- Versatile: Serve it in pitas, over rice, or in salads for lunches all week.
- Healthy & Light: A Mediterranean meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:
- Chicken: I’ve tried both chicken breasts and thighs here, but let me tell you—a juicy thigh wins the flavor game every time. Trim off any extra fat if you’d like, but leave enough for that succulent, tender result.
- Onion: A sweet or yellow onion adds gentle sweetness.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken or bone broth brings depth, but if you’ve got beef or veggie broth hanging around, go ahead and use it. No judgment here!
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed juice is best. Roll it on the counter first for extra juice, or use a neat trick—squeeze it with kitchen tongs if you don’t own a juicer.
- Olive Oil: I love extra virgin olive oil for the richness it adds.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic makes all the difference. Mincing it yourself is worth the extra 30 seconds.
- Dried Oregano & Thyme: These two are the backbone of Greek flavor.
- Sea Salt & Pepper: Simple, classic seasoning.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how this flavorful dish comes together:
Prep :
Place your chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the thinly sliced onion right on top.
Mix :
In a small bowl, whisk together your chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Pour this fragrant mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.
Cook :
Cover with the slow cooker lid and set it:
- LOW for 5-6 hours or
- HIGH for 3-4 hours
Cook until the chicken is beautifully tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your house will smell heavenly.
Shred :
When it’s done, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. It’ll soak up all those glorious juices. Prefer slices? No problem—just remove the chicken and cut it into pieces.
Aneta’s Tips for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy finish.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy lunches.
- Serving Ideas: Stuff it in pita pockets with lettuce and tzatziki, serve over rice pilaf, or pile it onto a fresh Greek salad.
Fun story: This recipe became a weeknight lifesaver for me after my kids declared it “the best chicken ever” and refused to eat anything else for two weeks straight. So yes—it’s picky-eater approved!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely. Breasts work fine, though thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally leave them in a little longer.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Perfect for busy weeks!
Can I cook Slow Cooker Greek Chicken on high instead of low?
Yes! If you’re short on time, go with HIGH for 3-4 hours. Just check that the internal temperature hits 165°F for food safety.
Let’s Bring a Little Greece to Your Kitchen
There’s something incredibly comforting about having a slow cooker full of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken gently bubbling away while life happens around you. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving those bright, savory Greek flavors, this recipe delivers every time.
So grab that slow cooker and let’s make some magic—one lemony, garlicky bite at a time. Opa!
Explore More Mediterranean Chicken Magic
If you loved diving into the bright, lemony flavors of this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, you’ll definitely want to explore more of my Mediterranean-inspired creations. Check out how to bring those same vibrant herbs and citrus notes to your table with these delicious dishes:
- Satisfy your pita cravings with my juicy Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade, perfect for a fresh, handheld meal.
- Keep your weeknights light and nourishing with my Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl for an easy, balanced dinner.
- For meal prep magic, try these hearty Greek Chicken Bowls loaded with veggies and tangy toppings.
- And if you’re in the mood for a skillet dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, you’ll adore my bright and briny Mediterranean-Style Chicken Piccata.
Let’s keep the Mediterranean flavors flowing and bring even more chicken magic into your kitchen!
Print
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish bursting with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy dinner that feels like a vacation on a plate!
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, trimmed if desired)
1 medium sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced
½ cup chicken broth (or bone broth)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for serving:
Cooked rice, quinoa, or pita
Fresh dill
Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives
Tzatziki sauce
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sliced onions.
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally.
Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice. Stir to combine with juices.
Serve over rice, in pitas, or alongside fresh veggies and tzatziki. Garnish with dill and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may be slightly less juicy.
Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini during the last hour for more color and nutrition.
For creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze beautifully for future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 488 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 137 mg