Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe

The Crockpot Greek Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Greece with minimal effort. With tender, juicy chicken cooked slowly in a flavorful Greek marinade, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. The chicken is infused with Mediterranean flavors such as garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs, and is best served with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing Greek salad. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both easy and delicious.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest (if using). This combination of ingredients creates the rich, tangy, and herbaceous marinade that will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean flavors.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or honey depending on your preference. If you prefer a spicier version, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle heat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you are using chicken breasts, you can lightly pound them to an even thickness, so they cook more evenly. You can also leave the chicken breasts whole or cut them into pieces, depending on your preference.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or up to 8 hours) to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors. If you’re in a hurry, marinating for 15–20 minutes will still yield great results.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Crockpot

1. Place Chicken in Crockpot: After marinating, transfer the chicken breasts along with any remaining marinade into the slow cooker. If you’re using chicken thighs, they can go directly in as well.
2. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and it should shred easily with a fork if you want to use it in salads or wraps.
3. Optional Step for Crispiness: If you prefer a crispy exterior on your chicken, you can place the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking. This step is not necessary but can add a delightful texture to the chicken.

Step 4: Shred or Serve Whole

• Once the chicken is cooked, you have the option to shred the chicken with two forks for a pulled chicken effect, perfect for salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
• Alternatively, you can serve the chicken whole, garnished with fresh parsley, feta, and other toppings.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the Crockpot Greek Chicken over a bed of rice, couscous, or a salad of your choice. Add some fresh vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion, for a full Mediterranean meal.
• Drizzle with Tzatziki sauce and top with crumbled feta cheese for a more authentic Greek experience.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Greek Chicken

1. Chicken Breasts vs. Chicken Thighs: Chicken breasts are lean and great for this recipe, but they can dry out if overcooked. For juicier meat, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and stay moist during slow cooking.
2. Customize the Marinade: The Greek chicken marinade is highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste. You can add oregano, rosemary, or basil for more depth. A touch of cumin or coriander will add a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade. It will balance well with the acidity of the lemon and vinegar.
4. Frozen Chicken: If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, you can still cook them in the crockpot, but you’ll need to cook the chicken on low for 6–8 hours to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Avoid cooking on high as frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking at higher temperatures.
5. Add Vegetables: You can make the dish more of a complete meal by adding some vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. They will absorb the flavors from the marinade and become wonderfully tender.

Serving Suggestions

1. Greek Salad: Serve your Crockpot Greek Chicken with a Greek salad made of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and lettuce. Top it with feta cheese and drizzle it with a Greek vinaigrette made of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Rice or Couscous: The chicken goes wonderfully with a simple side of steamed rice or couscous. You can also try quinoa for a gluten-free alternative. These will absorb the delicious juices from the chicken.
3. Wraps and Pitas: Serve the chicken in pita bread or wraps for a handheld meal. Add some fresh vegetables and a dollop of Tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Complement the chicken with some Mediterranean-inspired roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. The rich flavors of the chicken work well with the caramelized sweetness of roasted veggies.
5. Freezing: You can also freeze Crockpot Greek Chicken for later use. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven.
6. Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can divide the chicken into individual servings and pair it with rice, salad, or vegetables for easy-to-grab meals throughout the week.

Additional Tips and Variations for Crockpot Greek Chicken

To make the Crockpot Greek Chicken recipe even more versatile and suited to a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences, there are several ways you can tweak or enhance the dish. Here are some additional tips and variations to elevate the recipe or adjust it to meet specific needs:

1. Marinating for Longer Flavor Infusion

While the recipe suggests marinating the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour, you can allow the chicken to marinate for up to 8 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, which will result in a more intense flavor profile.

• Overnight Marination: If you have the time, place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This will give the herbs and spices more time to work their magic, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat.
• Deep Flavor: Longer marination also helps in breaking down the proteins in the chicken, which helps make it even more tender when slow-cooked.

2. Adding Vegetables to the Crockpot

To make this a one-pot meal, you can add vegetables directly into the crockpot with the chicken. The slow cooking process allows the vegetables to absorb the rich, Mediterranean flavors from the chicken and marinade. Here are a few vegetable options that pair well with this dish:

• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers add a slight sweetness and pop of color.
• Zucchini: Zucchini cooks down well and absorbs the marinade flavors beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of juicy sweetness complement the tanginess of the lemon and vinegar marinade.
• Onions: Both red onions and yellow onions add a depth of flavor as they soften and caramelize during slow cooking.
• Carrots: Sweet carrots provide an earthy flavor and texture contrast to the tender chicken.

Just chop the vegetables into chunks or slices and add them to the crockpot at the same time as the chicken. Be aware that some vegetables might cook faster than others, so you can add hard vegetables (like carrots) at the beginning and delicate vegetables (like zucchini) about halfway through the cooking process.

3. Greek Chicken with a Twist: Add Some Spice

While traditional Greek food tends to emphasize fresh herbs and tangy flavors, you can add a little heat to your Crockpot Greek Chicken for those who enjoy spicy foods. Here are a few ways to incorporate spice into the dish:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Add ½ teaspoon or more of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat that will not overpower the dish but adds a nice kick.
• Jalapeño or Serrano Peppers: Dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper and add it directly to the marinade. This will infuse a bolder heat.
• Chili Powder or Paprika: Swap out the paprika in the recipe for smoked paprika or add some chili powder for a smoky, spicy flavor.

By introducing a bit of spice, you can enjoy a more complex flavor profile while still keeping the essence of the Greek dish intact.

4. Greek Chicken with Lemon Orzo

For a fun twist, pair your Crockpot Greek Chicken with lemon orzo. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and can be flavored with lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs to complement the chicken. Here’s how to prepare it:

• Cook the Orzo: In a separate pot, cook 1 cup of orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Flavor the Orzo: Toss the orzo with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine: When the chicken is ready, serve it over the lemony orzo for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

The combination of the lemony pasta with the Greek chicken creates a satisfying meal that’s full of bright, fresh flavors.

5. Make It a Greek Chicken Wrap

If you’re looking for a fun way to serve the Crockpot Greek Chicken, consider turning it into Greek chicken wraps. This option is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Here’s how:

• Prepare the Wraps: Use whole wheat or flour tortillas or opt for pita bread. Warm the wraps before serving.
• Add Fresh Ingredients: Layer in the chicken, along with a variety of fresh veggies such as sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle each wrap with homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, and dill). This creamy sauce adds a cool contrast to the tangy chicken.
• Roll and Serve: Fold the wrap tightly and serve as a convenient, flavorful meal.

This wrap can be served as a satisfying lunch or dinner, and the leftovers (if any) can be stored in the fridge for later use.

6. Using Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor

If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitution for chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue, which keeps them moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process.

• Moisture and Flavor: Chicken thighs have a deeper flavor compared to breasts, and they hold up better to long, slow cooking. As a result, the chicken will be more tender and fall apart beautifully when shredded.
• Cooking Time: Chicken thighs can be cooked in the same time as breasts in the crockpot, and they won’t dry out. If you want to add extra flavor, you can also sear the chicken thighs briefly in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.

7. Making a Low-Carb Version of Greek Chicken

If you’re following a low-carb or Keto diet, you can adjust the recipe to make it compatible with your eating plan:

• Skip the Honey: If you’re trying to avoid sugar, you can omit the honey from the marinade or replace it with a sugar substitute, such as Stevia or Monk Fruit.
• Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Instead of traditional rice, pair your Crockpot Greek Chicken with cauliflower rice. Simply sauté the cauliflower rice in olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
• No Carbs on the Side: Instead of serving with bread or couscous, you can enjoy the chicken alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, which are both low in carbs.

8. Customizing the Chicken with Different Herbs

Greek food relies heavily on the use of fresh and dried herbs to provide bold flavors. The oregano in this recipe is classic, but you can experiment with different herbs to adjust the flavor:

• Basil: A little fresh basil added to the marinade will give it a sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon.
• Rosemary: Try adding a sprig of fresh rosemary to the slow cooker. It brings a woodsy, fragrant aroma that complements the chicken and the Mediterranean flavors.
• Mint: For a more refreshing twist, use fresh mint in the marinade or as a garnish to add a burst of freshness.

Herbs can be swapped based on your preferences, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste.

Conclusion: A Truly Versatile Dish

The Crockpot Greek Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and adaptable. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple, slow-cooked meal or looking to incorporate it into wraps, salads, or with other sides, the options are endless. The beauty of cooking with a slow cooker is that it allows you to enhance the flavors of the ingredients effortlessly, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

With the richness of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices, combined with the convenience of the crockpot, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to scale up for larger crowds, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special gatherings.

If you’re looking for a satisfying, healthy, and flavorful meal with minimal effort, the Crockpot Greek Chicken is your answer. With its fresh, vibrant flavors and tender chicken, this dish captures the essence of Greek cuisine in a way that will leave everyone craving more.

Crockpot Greek Chicken is an incredibly versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it as a main course with rice, couscous, and vegetables, or turning it into a wrap with fresh salad and tzatziki, it’s a meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can relax while the chicken absorbs the tangy, herb-infused marinade. This dish is not only perfect for busy weeknights but also works well for meal prepping, as the leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Yield: 4

Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe

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The Crockpot Greek Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Greece with minimal effort. With tender, juicy chicken cooked slowly in a flavorful Greek marinade, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. The chicken is infused with Mediterranean flavors such as garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs, and is best served with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing Greek salad. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both easy and delicious.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for added color and a slight smokiness)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds depth to the flavor)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a more intense citrus flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional Toppings/Accompaniments:
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olives (black or Kalamata)
• Sliced cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic)
• Rice or couscous (for serving)
• Pita bread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest (if using). This combination of ingredients creates the rich, tangy, and herbaceous marinade that will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean flavors.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or honey depending on your preference. If you prefer a spicier version, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle heat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you are using chicken breasts, you can lightly pound them to an even thickness, so they cook more evenly. You can also leave the chicken breasts whole or cut them into pieces, depending on your preference.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or up to 8 hours) to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors. If you're in a hurry, marinating for 15–20 minutes will still yield great results.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Crockpot

1. Place Chicken in Crockpot: After marinating, transfer the chicken breasts along with any remaining marinade into the slow cooker. If you’re using chicken thighs, they can go directly in as well.
2. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and it should shred easily with a fork if you want to use it in salads or wraps.
3. Optional Step for Crispiness: If you prefer a crispy exterior on your chicken, you can place the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking. This step is not necessary but can add a delightful texture to the chicken.

Step 4: Shred or Serve Whole

• Once the chicken is cooked, you have the option to shred the chicken with two forks for a pulled chicken effect, perfect for salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
• Alternatively, you can serve the chicken whole, garnished with fresh parsley, feta, and other toppings.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the Crockpot Greek Chicken over a bed of rice, couscous, or a salad of your choice. Add some fresh vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion, for a full Mediterranean meal.
• Drizzle with Tzatziki sauce and top with crumbled feta cheese for a more authentic Greek experience.

Notes

Marinating: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows for flavor absorption, but longer marination (up to 8 hours or overnight) will result in a more flavorful chicken.

Chicken Choice: Chicken breasts are typically used, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also a great alternative for juicier, more tender meat during slow cooking.

Adding Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the crockpot for a more complete meal. Just chop them into chunks and add them at the beginning, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Additionally, pair with a Greek salad or pita bread for a Mediterranean-style meal.

Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, olives, or a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for added flavor.

Meal Prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. It can be served in wraps, salads, or over a variety of grains for multiple meals throughout the week.