Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe for Easy Mediterranean Nights

Greek Chicken in the Crockpot

Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with bold Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is proof. Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is one of those dishes that tastes like a getaway to the Greek Isles while still being easy enough for a Tuesday night. The first time I made this, my kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic, lemon, and oregano, and it instantly reminded me of cozy family dinners where food felt like comfort and celebration. This is a healthy Greek meal prep recipe that’s simple, vibrant, and guaranteed to be a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 hours (on LOW)
Total Time5 hours 10 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
CuisineGreek, Mediterranean
Best SeasonYear-round

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless meal prep: Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to perfectly tender chicken that shreds beautifully.
  • Vibrant flavors: Lemon, oregano, and garlic infuse the chicken with a taste that’s both refreshing and deeply savory.
  • Versatile serving options: Enjoy it over rice, tucked into pitas, or with a fresh salad for endless healthy dinner ideas.
  • Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids but flavorful enough to satisfy adults, making it a great clean crockpot chicken recipe for any night.
  • Meal prep hero: Stores well in the fridge or freezer so you can enjoy shredded Greek chicken all week.
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • 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

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 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: rice, quinoa, pita, fresh dill, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, tzatziki, lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker and top with sliced onions.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.

4. 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.

5. Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice. Stir to combine with juices.

6. Serve over rice, in pitas, or alongside fresh veggies and tzatziki. Garnish with dill and lemon wedges if desired.

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 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • 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

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 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: rice, quinoa, or pita, fresh dill, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, tzatziki, lemon wedges

Ingredient Tips Table

IngredientTip
Chicken thighsUse boneless, skinless for juicier results. Chicken breasts work but may be less moist.
OnionSlice thinly so it softens and blends into the sauce.
Chicken brothBone broth adds extra richness and nutrition.
Lemon juiceFreshly squeezed makes the flavors pop. Bottled juice is not recommended.
Olive oilExtra virgin adds authentic Mediterranean flavor.
GarlicFreshly minced garlic will give a stronger punch compared to pre-minced.
Oregano & thymeDried herbs work well but fresh herbs can be added at the end for brightness.
Optional toppingsTzatziki, dill, and olives bring out authentic Greek flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker, then layer the sliced onions on top.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions to ensure every bite is infused with flavor.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F internally.
  5. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, or remove it to slice before returning it to the juices.
  6. Stir well to coat the chicken in its flavorful broth.
  7. Serve with rice, pita, or quinoa. Garnish with fresh dill, lemon wedges, and tzatziki for the ultimate Mediterranean finish.

Helpful Tips

  • Cut onions thinly so they melt into the broth and add sweetness.
  • Always check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
  • Shred while warm for easier pulling.
  • Double the recipe for easy slow cook meal prep and freeze half for later.

If you enjoyed this, you’ll love our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Use bone broth instead of chicken broth for richer taste and extra protein.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice, it balances the olive oil and brings brightness.
  • If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.
  • Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt just before serving for a creamy finish.

Recipe Variations

  • Greek Chicken Bowls: Serve shredded chicken over rice or quinoa with cucumbers, olives, and tzatziki for a balanced bowl.
  • Pita Pockets: Stuff into warm pita bread with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and feta for a handheld dinner.
  • Mediterranean Salad Topper: Add shredded chicken to a crisp green salad with cucumbers and olives for a light lunch.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the grains and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a healthy crockpot chicken recipe.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For freezing, portion into zip-top bags or containers, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a platter with warm pita bread, a drizzle of tzatziki, and a side of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Pairing Ideas

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch. Side dishes like Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables make the meal complete.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but reduce cooking time to prevent dryness. Thighs stay more tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely, just skip tzatziki or use a dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken? Two forks work well, or use a hand mixer on low speed for quick shredding.
Can I add vegetables? Yes, add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW? Yes, 3 to 4 hours on HIGH will work, but the chicken may be slightly less tender.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Is this recipe good for meal prep? Definitely, it stores well and can be used in multiple ways throughout the week.

Nutrition Info

Serving Size1 serving
Calories278 kcal
Protein30 g
Carbohydrates4 g
Fat15 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar2 g
Cholesterol137 mg
Sodium488 mg
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is proof that healthy, flavorful meals don’t need to be complicated. With zesty lemon, savory herbs, and tender chicken, it’s the perfect dish to brighten any weeknight. Try it once and it might just become your new go-to slow cook meal prep favorite.

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