Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

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

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this Greek chicken recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to walk away and return to a fully cooked, flavorful meal without constant monitoring.
  • Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Roasted red peppers, olives, and herbs create a vibrant taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish packed with authentic Greek seasonings.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different side dishes like rice, quinoa, or salad, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Roasted Red Peppers, Red Onion, Olives: Provide rich Mediterranean flavors and add depth to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Adds a sharp and aromatic punch to the dish.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural taste.
  • Oregano, Thyme: Classic Greek herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean flavor.
  • Red Wine Vinegar, Honey: Create a balanced sweet and tangy sauce for the chicken.
  • Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty cheese that adds a traditional Greek touch.
  • Fresh Herbs: Provide a bright and fresh finish to the dish.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds richness.
  • Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal from the slow cooker.

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:
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Olives
  • Red onion

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:
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Honey
  • Oregano
  • Thyme

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:
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped fresh herbs

Complement the dish with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Smart Tips For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

  • Boost Flavor Quickly: Brown chicken in a hot skillet before slow cooking to develop deeper, richer taste and create a golden exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Prevent Soggy Vegetables: Arrange peppers, olives, and onions around the chicken, not on top, to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy during cooking.
  • Control Cooking Time Wisely: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
  • Elevate Serving Presentation: Sprinkle fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese just before serving to add brightness, color, and a tangy Mediterranean touch to the dish.
  • Meal Prep Like a Pro: Prepare ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time and streamline morning cooking process.

Different Styles Of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace oregano and thyme with fresh rosemary and basil for a lighter, more aromatic flavor profile.
  • Spicy Greek Fusion: Add red pepper flakes and swap honey with sriracha for a hot, tangy version that brings extra heat to the dish.
  • Low-Carb Greek Chicken: Skip honey and substitute with monk fruit sweetener, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains for a keto-friendly meal.
  • Mediterranean Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, keeping the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based alternative that maintains the authentic Greek seasoning.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

  • Crisp Greek White Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Assyrtiko or Moschofilero wine to complement the chicken's tangy flavors, cutting through the richness with bright, citrusy notes that dance perfectly with the dish's herbal undertones.
  • Herb-Infused Couscous Companion: Prepare a light couscous studded with fresh parsley, mint, and a touch of lemon zest, creating a fluffy side that absorbs the chicken's delicious cooking juices while adding a refreshing Mediterranean texture.

How To Store Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Properly

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Separate chicken from vegetables to preserve texture.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs For Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

  • What ingredients give this Greek chicken its authentic flavor?

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.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

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.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

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

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating a 5-quart (or larger) vessel with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect searing surface for the chicken.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. If the skillet becomes crowded, work in batches to prevent overlapping and maintain optimal browning, then transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. 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.
  7. Create a flavorful marinade by whisking red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, oregano, and thyme in a small bowl until well combined.
  8. Pour the aromatic marinade evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. 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.
  10. Once cooked, plate the chicken and garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant finish.
  11. 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

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    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.

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