Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Lemon, Garlic, and Mediterranean Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish bursting with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, bringing a healthy dinner that feels like a vacation on a plate.

The dish is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer consists of fluffy white rice covering the entire bottom. On top of the rice, there is a layer of shredded chicken seasoned with herbs. To the left side of the bowl, there are black olives, and next to them, slices of fresh cucumber with green skin. On the upper right side, bright red sliced cherry tomatoes are arranged. A generous dollop of thick, creamy white sauce with green herbs is placed on the chicken near the lower right edge. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin are positioned on the bottom left and right sides of the bowl. A woman's hand with a fork is partially visible, reaching toward the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sliced onions.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally.
  5. Step 5: Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice. Stir to combine with juices.
  6. Step 6: Serve over rice, in pitas, or alongside fresh veggies and tzatziki. Garnish with dill and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may be slightly less juicy.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini during the last hour for more color and nutrition.
  • For a creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with a colorful Mediterranean dish, starting with a base layer of white rice at the bottom, topped with shredded light brown chicken seasoned with herbs. On one side, there are sliced dark red tomatoes with visible seeds and slices of bright green cucumber. Next to them, there are small black olives. To the right of the chicken, there is a creamy white sauce with green herb bits, resembling tzatziki, and a small wedge of yellow lemon placed on the edge of the plate. The texture of the rice is fluffy, the chicken looks tender, and the sauce appears smooth and thick. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may be slightly less juicy than thighs due to lower fat content.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can be added during the last hour of cooking to add extra color and nutrition.

Print

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Lemon, Garlic, and Mediterranean Herbs Recipe

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish bursting with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy dinner that transports you to the Mediterranean with each bite. The tender chicken thighs absorb a bright lemony sauce enhanced with oregano and thyme, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

  • Author: reem
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, trimmed if desired)
  • 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced

Sauce

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the thinly sliced onions evenly on top of the chicken.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  4. Slow Cook: Cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Shred or Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or remove the chicken and slice it as preferred. Stir to combine the chicken with the flavorful juices in the pot.
  6. Serve: Serve the chicken over cooked rice, quinoa, or inside pita bread. Add fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives along with a dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges for extra brightness. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired meal!

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may result in less juicy chicken.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition.
  • For a creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.

Keywords: Greek chicken, slow cooker chicken, Mediterranean chicken, lemon garlic chicken, healthy chicken dinner, easy dinner recipes, meal prep chicken, slow cooker recipes

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