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· 4.8 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s as effortless as it is bursting with fresh, Mediterranean flavor, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with fragrant herbs, lemon, and garlic — all cooked low and slow while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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Why This Recipe Works

Hands-Off Cooking: You simply add ingredients, set the slow cooker, and come back to a flavorful meal without fuss.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: The low and slow method ensures juicy chicken that melts in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples plus fresh lemon and herbs make a bright, authentic Greek flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Great on rice, pasta, pita, or salads, so you can mix it up meal after meal.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, Greek Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Easy Slow Cooker Chicken, Juicy Greek 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

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe shines because of its simplicity and balance. You’re combining aromatics like garlic and onion with zesty lemon and classic Mediterranean herbs, which all meld together beautifully. Here’s a little insight into why each ingredient plays a starring role:

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, Greek Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Easy Slow Cooker Chicken, Juicy Greek 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

Chicken breast or thighs: Thighs stay moister and are more forgiving for slow cooking; breasts are leaner, if that’s your preference.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when it slowly softens under the chicken during cooking.
Chicken broth: Provides flavorful moisture; you can skip it if you don’t have any handy but it helps keep everything tender.
Lemon juice: The star of the show – it cuts through richness and adds brightness.
Olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps carry the herbs’ flavors.
Garlic: A must for that punch of savory deliciousness.
Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Greek herbs that lend that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.
Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning basics that bring it all together.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I often play around with it to keep things interesting or to fit what’s in my pantry. Feel free to make this recipe yours!

Variation: I usually go for thighs because they stay juicy, but once I used chicken breasts and added a splash of white wine — it was equally delicious and elegant.
Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for a meatless spin that soaks up those same flavors beautifully.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs.
Fresh herbs: Swap dried oregano and thyme for fresh versions at the end of cooking for an extra burst of fragrance.

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

Step 1: Layer the Aromatics and Chicken

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then lay the thinly sliced onions right over the top. This layering is key because the onions slowly caramelize and infuse the chicken while it cooks, giving subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. I always give mine a good whisk to make sure those herbs disperse evenly — this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Pour and Cook Low and Slow

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and onions. Pop the lid on and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. I recommend checking early if you’re new to your slow cooker — every model runs a bit differently, so checking at 5 hours on low is a safe bet to avoid drying out the chicken. Your goal is tender, not tough.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

After cooking, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker with two forks — this lets the meat soak up all those wonderful cooking juices. From there, serve it warm over rice, tossed in pasta, wrapped in pita, or spooned atop a fresh Greek salad. It’s as adaptable as it is tasty!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Trim the Chicken: I always trim extra fat off thighs before slow cooking to avoid greasy juices while keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t deliver the bright freshness that elevates the whole dish.
Don’t Skip the Shredding: Shredding chicken right in the slow cooker lets it absorb the cooking liquid, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Check Early to Avoid Overcooking: Especially if using chicken breast, testing a bit early helps prevent dry meat—better safe than sorry!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, Greek Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Easy Slow Cooker Chicken, Juicy Greek 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 like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill and a few crumbles of tangy feta cheese. It adds that final touch of color and a punch of fresh flavor that really brings the whole meal together. Sometimes, a lemon wedge on the side gives an extra zesty pop.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or orzo pasta to soak up the juices. For a lighter meal, try it over a Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Roasted vegetables or crispy pita chips also make a great accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I love serving this chicken in warm pita pockets with tzatziki and sliced cucumber — it’s like a simplified gyro that guests adore. Another fun idea is plating it over grilled polenta rounds topped with a handful of chopped olives and a drizzle of olive oil for a creative, upscale appetizer or light dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken has cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion out the shredded chicken and juices into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, covered, with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Stir a few times for even heating and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken because frozen chicken takes longer to cook and may cause the slow cooker to stay in a unsafe temperature range for too long. If you’re short on time, defrost it in the fridge overnight first.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Absolutely! For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown onions first, then add the chicken and sauce ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes, followed by a natural release. It’s a great shortcut if you’re pressed for time.
What do I do if the chicken turns out dry?

Dry chicken usually means it was overcooked or the slow cooker runs hotter than average. To fix this, shred the chicken and mix it with some extra broth or sauce before serving. Next time, check a bit earlier and consider using chicken thighs for better moisture retention.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

You sure can! Add hearty veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes on top of the onions so they cook alongside the chicken. They’ll soak up the delicious flavors and make it a more complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is one of those cozy, easy dishes I come back to time and time again. It’s comforting and packed with flavor without any crazy prep or fuss—perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends alike. Give it a try and let it fill your kitchen with those irresistible Mediterranean aromas. I’m pretty sure you’re going to love having this standby recipe in your dinner rotation just as much as I do!