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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Nestle the chicken into the slow cooker’s ceramic basin, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the prepared marinade.
- Scatter thinly sliced crimson onions across the chicken and sprinkle briny olives throughout the dish for added Mediterranean complexity.
- 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.
- Once fully cooked, transform the chicken by delicately shredding or slicing it into appealing portions that showcase the dish’s succulent texture.
- 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