Tangy Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Feast

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated the art of slow cooker greek chicken, blending robust flavors with minimal preparation.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat create an irresistible dining experience that transports you straight to sunny Greece.

Families across coastal regions cherish this delectable dish for its simplicity and rich taste profile.

Juicy chicken pieces marinate in a symphony of oregano, lemon, and garlic, promising an explosion of authentic flavors.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when this recipe emerges from your slow cooker, filling the kitchen with enticing aromas.

Effortless cooking meets culinary magic, ensuring a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Grab your ingredients and let this recipe become your new dinnertime champion.

Mediterranean Ingredients That Add Flavor Fast

• Chicken: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and absorbing the delicious Greek-inspired marinade.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy tang and tenderizes the meat.
• Garlic: Creates depth of flavor with its pungent, aromatic qualities.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity to balance the dish.

• Oregano, Thyme: Classic Greek herbs that provide authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Red Onion: Adds sharp, sweet crunch and visual appeal.
• Olives: Optional ingredient that brings briny, Mediterranean character.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy topping that adds richness and traditional Greek element.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides color and bright, clean flavor.

How to Slow Cook Chicken with a Greek Twist

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until they dance together into a fragrant blend.

Step 2: Nestle the Chicken

Place chicken pieces into the slow cooker, then lovingly pour the marinade over every inch, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Add Mediterranean Touches

• Thinly sliced red onion
• Kalamata olives (optional but recommended)

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 5-6 hours
• High setting: 2.5-3.5 hours

Cook until chicken becomes incredibly tender and reaches safe internal temperature.

Step 5: Prepare for Serving

• Gently shred the meat
• Slice into beautiful portions

Step 6: Final Flourish

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley

Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired culinary creation!

Pro Tips for Zesty, Tender Chicken

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes before slow cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Choose the Right Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer taste compared to chicken breasts.
• Control Liquid Levels: Avoid adding extra water since chicken releases moisture during cooking; the marinade provides sufficient liquid.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Prevent Overcooking: Check chicken's internal temperature around 5-6 hours on low setting to ensure it doesn't become dry or tough.

Store and Reheat Greek Chicken Without Losing Juice

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it moist by including some cooking liquid.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 23 months.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

What to Pair with This Flavorful Dish

• Select a zesty Assyrtiko or Moschofilero that complements the bright lemon and herb flavors of the chicken, cutting through its richness with refreshing acidity.
• Create a classic horiatiki salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and extra feta to echo the recipe's Greek ingredients and add fresh, crunchy texture.
• Prepare light, fluffy couscous seasoned with similar herbs like oregano and thyme, which will soak up the delicious chicken juices and provide a perfect starchy base.
• Whip up a cool, tangy yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic to drizzle over the chicken, adding a creamy contrast to the meat's robust Mediterranean flavors.

Variations That Keep It Mediterranean

• Low-Carb Mediterranean Delight: Replace chicken with turkey breast for a leaner protein option. Swap traditional olives for kalamata olives and reduce onion quantity to lower carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Greek Chicken: Omit feta cheese and substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar tangy flavor. Use dairy-free Greek seasoning blend to maintain authentic taste profile.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Marinate plant-based protein in same Greek-inspired marinade. Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for complete meal.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Ensure all herbs and spices are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if recipe requires additional liquid. Confirm slow cooker is thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQs on Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely first for even cooking and food safety. Frozen chicken may increase cooking time by 1-2 hours.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain the right flavor intensity.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your specific ingredients like vinegar and spices are certified gluten-free.

• Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving in slow cookers and tend to stay more moist. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

What Makes Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Stand Out

• This slow cooker recipe transforms busy evenings into stress-free meal times with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
• Infused with zesty lemon, robust herbs, and tangy feta, the dish delivers authentic Greek flavors without complicated techniques.
• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a tender, succulent chicken meal that requires just minutes of active cooking.
• Versatile enough to serve over rice, in wraps, or alongside salads, this recipe appeals to both adults and kids with its crowd-pleasing taste profile.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this slow cooker greek chicken, blending tender meat with zesty herbs and tangy feta. Succulent chicken absorbs rich Mediterranean spices, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice and delicate zest, fragrant garlic, robust olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, aromatic oregano, earthy thyme, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper.
2. Nestle the chicken into the slow cooker’s ceramic basin, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the prepared marinade.
3. Scatter thinly sliced crimson onions across the chicken and sprinkle briny olives throughout the dish for added Mediterranean complexity.
4. Secure the slow cooker’s lid and allow the chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for approximately 5-6 hours, or alternatively, accelerate the cooking process on high setting for 2.5-3.5 hours until the meat becomes supremely tender and completely cooked through.
5. Once fully cooked, transform the chicken by delicately shredding or slicing it into appealing portions that showcase the dish’s succulent texture.
6. Elevate the final presentation by generously garnishing with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley, adding a creamy and herbaceous finishing touch to this Greek-inspired culinary creation.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by marinating it for at least 30 minutes before slow cooking to enhance flavor absorption and ensure juicier meat.
• For gluten-free and dairy-free diets, omit feta cheese and replace with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for similar tangy flavor.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium broth or water instead of salt, and choose low-sodium olives to control overall dish saltiness.
• Maximize meal prep by cooking extra chicken and storing in airtight containers for up to 4 days, perfect for quick salads, wraps, or grain bowls.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg