The Ultimate Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe for Tender Delight
Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker greek chicken dish promises an effortless culinary adventure that transports you straight to the sunny Mediterranean.
Aromatic herbs and tangy flavors will dance across your palate with minimal kitchen effort.
Tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and fragrant oregano becomes your new weeknight hero.
Weeknight meals never looked so deliciously simple and packed with authentic greek charm.
Minimal prep means maximum flavor, allowing you to breeze through dinner preparation without sacrificing taste.
Fresh ingredients combine to create a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace from a greek grandmother.
One bite will convince you this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.
Why Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Tastes Amazing
What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Protein:Vegetables and Aromatics:Herbs and Seasonings:Cooking Essentials:Steps For Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Lightly spray a 5-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick spray. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to create a golden base for the chicken.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Carefully place the seasoned side down in the hot skillet. Brown for 1-2 minutes until a beautiful golden color develops. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for an additional minute. If the skillet is small, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Vibrant Vegetables
Artfully arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the slow cooker:Ensure vegetables are positioned beside the chicken, not on top, to maintain their texture and flavor.
Step 4: Create the Flavor Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the flavor-packed ingredients:Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1½ to 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate the warm chicken and generously sprinkle with:Complement the dish with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Smart Tips For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Different Styles Of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
How To Store Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Properly
FAQs For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
The red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, honey, roasted red peppers, and olives create the classic Greek taste profile, bringing Mediterranean herbs and tangy, sweet notes to the dish.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, while breasts are leaner and cook slightly faster.
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your individual ingredients, like vinegar and seasonings, are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent Greek chicken dances with Mediterranean flavors in this simple slow cooker masterpiece. Herbed chicken infused with lemon and oregano promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables and Additions:
- 1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1 medium red onion, cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 cup kalamata olives, drained
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from about 3 large cloves)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ cup feta cheese (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh herbs (mix of fresh basil, parsley, or thyme, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating a 5-quart (or larger) vessel with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect searing surface for the chicken.
- Generously season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then carefully place it in the hot skillet, seasoned side down to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Brown the chicken for 1-2 minutes until achieving a rich color, then flip and repeat on the opposite side for an additional minute, ensuring even caramelization.
- If the skillet becomes crowded, work in batches to prevent overlapping and maintain optimal browning, then transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
- Artfully distribute roasted red peppers, olives, and red onion around the chicken in the slow cooker, keeping the vegetables alongside rather than on top of the meat.
- Create a flavorful marinade by whisking red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, oregano, and thyme in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pour the aromatic marinade evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on high for 1½ to 2 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, plate the chicken and garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant finish.
- Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad to complete the Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Browning the chicken beforehand creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and provides a deeper taste profile.
- Space chicken pieces in the skillet to prevent steaming and ensure proper golden-brown coloration during initial searing.
- Arrange vegetables around the chicken, not on top, to maintain even cooking and prevent soggy texture.
- For gluten-free adaptation, confirm all ingredients like vinegar and honey are certified gluten-free.
- Lower sodium option: Use low-sodium olives and reduce added salt during seasoning.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully without losing moisture.
- Mediterranean diet compliant, offering lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and antioxidant-rich vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 639 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.