Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Lemon, Garlic, and Mediterranean Herbs Recipe
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a zesty lemon, garlic, and herb sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering a healthy dinner that brings the bright flavors of Greece straight to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top them evenly with the thinly sliced onions to create a flavorful base.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a vibrant marinade.
- Add the Marinade: Pour this lemon-herb mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated for optimal flavor infusion.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cook 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 to soak up the juices, or remove the thighs and slice as preferred. Stir to combine with the cooking juices for extra moistness.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Greek chicken over cooked rice, in pita bread, or alongside fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges, and accompany with tzatziki sauce for an authentic Mediterranean finish.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may result in a slightly less juicy dish.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for convenient future meals.