Name: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs; 1 onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s simple, packed with flavor, and basically fuss-free, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for busy weekdays or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Tender chicken, zingy lemon, and fragrant herbs all come together in the slow cooker, making your kitchen smell like a Greek taverna. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll probably become a regular in your rotation!

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Why This Recipe Works

Hands-off Cooking: Just set it in the slow cooker and forget it — minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Bright and Herby Flavor: Lemon, oregano, and thyme bring authentic Greek vibes that brighten up the chicken.
Versatile Protein: Works great with chicken breasts or thighs — you choose tender or lean!
Juicy and Tender Every Time: Slow cooking lets the chicken soak up all those delicious juices without drying out.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, Greek chicken recipe, easy Greek chicken, Mediterranean chicken dinner, healthy slow cooker chicken - A white bowl on a white marbled surface filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a fluffy texture, the middle layer consists of cooked translucent onion slices with light browning, and on top are shredded light beige chicken pieces seasoned with herbs. On one side of the bowl, a dollop of white creamy sauce with green dill leaves is placed. Around the bowl, on the white marbled surface, there is a partial view of a white bowl holding dark purple olives and green cucumber slices, and a woman's hand is holding a piece of light golden flatbread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The amazing thing about this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is that the ingredients are so straightforward yet they pack a punch when combined. You don’t need a grocery list that puts you through the wringer; just fresh basics and pantry staples that will transform into a Greek-inspired masterpiece. Let me walk you through why each one shines.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, Greek chicken recipe, easy Greek chicken, Mediterranean chicken dinner, healthy slow cooker chicken - Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs with smooth pale pink flesh, a whole yellow lemon cut in half showing juicy segments, thinly sliced white onion rings arranged neatly, four whole garlic cloves with papery white skins, a few small white ceramic bowls containing clear chicken broth, golden olive oil, finely ground dried oregano and thyme in soft greenish-brown powders, fine sea salt crystals, and whole black peppercorns, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work if you want leaner meat; both soak up flavors beautifully.
Onion: Thinly sliced onions add mild sweetness and a lovely aroma as they cook down with the chicken.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth — if you don’t have it, no worries, the lemon and herbs do a lot of work.
Lemon juice: Essential for that fresh, tangy brightness that elevates the dish beyond your usual chicken meal.
Olive oil: Greek cooking without olive oil? Not quite right! It helps meld flavors and keeps the chicken moist.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings that warm, savory kick that complements the herbs perfectly.
Dried oregano & thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that give this recipe its signature Greek taste.
Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it more garlicky or perhaps a bit more herb-forward, you can adjust without losing that authentic flavor. Personally, I’ve played around with adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist—delicious! Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Variation: Switching between chicken breasts and thighs depending on your mood or dietary goals—I love thighs for a richer taste, but breasts keep it lighter.
Herb swap: If you have fresh herbs, use those instead of dried; the flavor will be brighter, just add them toward the end of cooking to preserve freshness.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Broth alternative: Substitute chicken broth with white wine or even water with a bouillon cube if you’re out of broth; just tweak salt accordingly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Lay the Chicken and Onions Just Right

Start by placing your chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. I like to spread them out evenly, so every piece cooks consistently. Top the chicken with those thinly sliced onions – they’ll slowly soften and infuse their sweetness into the meat. This layering is essential for flavor and for keeping the chicken moist as it cooks.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a small bowl, I whisk together the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens—full of brightness and savory notes. Pour it evenly over the chicken and onions, making sure each piece gets bathed in those delicious juices.

Step 3: Set and Forget – Slow Cook to Perfection

Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. I always recommend checking the chicken a bit earlier than the max time on your device because slow cooker temperatures can vary. The goal is tender, shreddable chicken that’s cooked through to 165°F (75°C). When it’s done, the aroma itself is a sign you’re in for something special.

Step 4: Shred and Soak Up Those Juices

Once the chicken is cooked, grab two forks and shred the meat right in the slow cooker. This step lets the chicken soak up all those tasty juices it cooked in, making every bite juicy and packed with flavor. I love how easy this is—no extra dishes or fuss!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

Use Thighs for Tenderness: I find that using chicken thighs prevents dryness and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat.
Don’t Skip the Lemon: The lemon juice is what truly wakes up the whole dish—don’t be shy with it!
Layer Onion Last: Putting onions on top means they slowly steam instead of burn at the bottom, which keeps their flavor mellow and sweet.
Check Early for Doneness: Slow cookers vary widely, so start checking your chicken 30 minutes before the minimum cook time to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, Greek chicken recipe, easy Greek chicken, Mediterranean chicken dinner, healthy slow cooker chicken - The dish is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer is fluffy white rice, slightly visible under other ingredients. On one side, there are shredded pieces of light brown chicken mixed with translucent sautéed onions. Next to the chicken is a dollop of white creamy sauce with green dill on top. Thin cucumber slices with dark purple olives and small red tomato pieces fill the next section, adding fresh color. The whole bowl is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a little black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill—it brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. Some crumbled feta on top is a game-changer if you want that classic Greek touch. If you have olives lying around, toss a few on the side or mixed in for salty bites.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are fluffy rice or buttery orzo pasta which soak up all the chicken juices. For something lighter, a fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives pairs perfectly. Sometimes, I serve this slow cooker chicken with warm pita bread and tzatziki on the side—it’s like a mini Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to layer the shredded chicken over a bed of lemon-herb roasted potatoes or swirl it into creamy mashed potatoes. Another fun idea is serving it as a filling in pita wraps with fresh veggies and sauce. It’s versatile enough to look and feel fresh for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken holds onto its flavor really well, and because it’s already shredded, it reheats quickly and evenly.

Freezing

If I know I won’t eat all the chicken within a few days, I portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a lifesaver for busy nights—just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re good to go.

Reheating

I prefer reheating gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. You can also use the microwave, but cover the bowl to trap steam and avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken can increase cooking time significantly and may lead to uneven results or unsafe internal temperatures.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, orzo pasta, fresh Greek salads, roasted vegetables, or warm pita and tzatziki sauce for a full Mediterranean experience.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! The chicken itself is dairy-free. Simply skip adding feta or any dairy-based garnishes, and use oil instead of butter in any sides to keep the meal dairy-free.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of any sides or garnishes you add, choosing gluten-free grains and dips if needed.
Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and ingredients without overcrowding, and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe feels like a little hug from the Mediterranean every time I make it. It’s comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable. If you’re like me and love recipes that practically make themselves but are full of homey, fresh flavor, this one’s a winner. I hope you try it soon—and when you do, let me know how it turns out! Cooking should always be this joyful.