Description
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish infused with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. It offers a tender and juicy chicken thigh preparation perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy dinner that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this slow cooker recipe delivers a comforting, aromatic meal served best with rice, pita, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Layer the Chicken and Onions: Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker and top with thinly sliced onions to create the base of the dish.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the Marinade: Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the chicken and onions to infuse the flavors during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred or Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice it, then stir it to combine with the flavorful juices in the pot.
- Serve: Serve the Greek chicken over cooked rice, inside warm pitas, or alongside fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges as desired for a bright finish.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may be slightly less juicy.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for future meals.