Crockpot Greek Chicken

Introduction

Crockpot Greek Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and effortlessly healthy meal inspired by the Mediterranean diet. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish combines juicy chicken with classic Greek flavors: tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, aromatic oregano, and briny Kalamata olives. Tomatoes and feta cheese add a rich, savory depth, creating a vibrant, wholesome dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays juicy while infusing the dish with rich, Mediterranean flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both incredibly easy and bursting with flavor. The chicken comes out so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, while the Greek-inspired ingredients give every bite a bright, savory taste. It’s versatile, healthy, and pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. Best of all, it’s a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup simple and stress-free.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greece to your kitchen with minimal effort. Unlike fried or roasted chicken dishes that require constant attention, the slow cooker does all the work, producing succulent chicken infused with herbs, lemon, and olives. It’s perfect for those looking for a healthy, flavorful dinner that tastes gourmet but requires minimal prep. The combination of tender chicken, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs makes this dish unforgettable.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4–5 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion on top. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Prepare Chicken: Place 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Make Greek Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme (optional), salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Add halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and sliced red onion on top. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Finish with Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
6. Serve: Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve

• Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Serve with warm pita bread or a side Greek salad for a full Mediterranean meal.
• Great for meal prep—store portions in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; breasts work well but may be slightly drier.
• Adjust lemon juice to taste for a more tangy or mild flavor.
• For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and simmer the liquid in a small pan for a few minutes before serving.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

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Variations

• Spicy Greek Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable Boost: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach in the last hour of cooking.
• Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Serve over farro, bulgur, or couscous with extra feta and olives.
• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh dill or oregano for different flavor notes.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and olives to reduce salt content.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce (without feta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add fresh feta and herbs after reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

Crockpot / Slow cooker

• Small mixing bowl for sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board for vegetables
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by about 30–60 minutes on low. Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day for best results.

Q3: Can I bake this instead of using a crockpot?
Yes, bake in a covered baking dish at 375°F for 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Q4: Can I omit feta cheese?
Yes, but feta adds a signature tangy flavor that enhances the dish. You can also substitute with goat cheese.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts work well and can be added during the last hour of cooking.

Conclusion

Crockpot Greek Chicken is a healthy, flavorful, and versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights or Mediterranean-inspired dinners. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, tangy lemon, and briny olives, it delivers a fresh, savory taste with minimal effort. Easy to prepare and full of rich, layered flavors, this dish is a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or meal prep plan, bringing the taste of Greece right to your kitchen.