Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

If your weeknights have been feeling like a never-ending group chat of errands, meetings, and “what’s for dinner?” panic… this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s bright and lemony, loaded with cozy garlic-and-herb vibes, and it basically cooks itself while you go do literally anything else (including sitting down for five quiet minutes—highly recommend).

This is the kind of dinner that feels special, but doesn’t ask you to be a professional chef or own twelve obscure spices. It’s a simple, comforting meal with big Mediterranean flavor—and your slow cooker does the heavy lifting like the hero it is.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

  • Set-it-and-forget-it easy. Dump, whisk, pour, done.
  • Tender, juicy chicken thighs. They stay forgiving and flavorful (even if you accidentally cook a smidge long because life).
  • Bright, fresh flavor without fuss. Lemon + olive oil + garlic = instant “I tried” energy.
  • So many ways to serve it. Rice bowl, pita wrap, salad topper, meal prep champ.
  • Great for picky eaters. You can keep it simple or dress it up with all the toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe (and yes, it’s all normal grocery-store stuff):

  • 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 extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional serving ideas (a.k.a. the fun extras)

  • Cooked rice, quinoa, or pita
  • Fresh dill
  • Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Lemon wedges

If you’re feeling extra, toss a quick “Greek salad moment” on the side. If you’re not, no judgment—this chicken still tastes amazing solo.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1) Layer the chicken and onions

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the thinly sliced onions over the top like you’re tucking them in for a cozy nap.

2) Whisk up the lemony Greek-style sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • chicken broth
  • lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • minced garlic
  • oregano
  • thyme
  • salt and pepper

This mixture smells like a vacation you didn’t have to request PTO for.

3) Pour and let the slow cooker work its magic

Pour that sauce evenly over the chicken and onions. Pop the lid on.

Cook:

  • LOW for 5–6 hours or
  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

The chicken is done when it’s tender and reaches 165°F internally.

4) Shred or slice—your call

You can shred the chicken right in the slow cooker (my favorite because fewer dishes), or remove it and slice it neatly if you’re feeling fancy. Stir it back into those gorgeous juices so every bite gets flavored.

5) Serve it up

Serve over rice or quinoa, tuck into pitas, or plate it with fresh veggies and a generous spoon of tzatziki. Add dill and lemon wedges if you’ve got them—and if not, still delicious.

Serving Ideas That Make It Feel Like a Restaurant Meal

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is basically a “choose your own dinner adventure”:

  • Greek chicken bowls: Rice or quinoa + shredded chicken + cucumber + tomatoes + olives + tzatziki
  • Pita night: Warm pita + chicken + onions + tzatziki + squeeze of lemon (warning: everyone will want seconds)
  • Meal-prep salad topper: Pile onto romaine with feta, cucumbers, and a drizzle of the cooking juices
  • Lazy snack plate dinner: Chicken + veggies + hummus + pita chips (a valid adult meal, I said what I said)

Cooking Tips (Because Life Happens)

  • Chicken thighs are your safety net. They stay juicy and forgiving, unlike chicken breasts that can get dry if you blink too hard.
  • Want more lemon? Add an extra squeeze at the end. Lemon “finishing juice” is like turning on the lights in a room—suddenly everything is brighter.
  • Sauce looks too thin? No stress. Spoon it over rice and call it “Greek gravy.” Delicious problem.
  • Sauce looks too thick? Don’t worry—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen. Add a splash of broth and stir.
  • Don’t skip the onions. They melt into the sauce and basically become flavor confetti.

A Little Real-Life Moment From My Kitchen

This recipe has saved me on weeks when my to-do list felt like it had its own zip code. You know those days when you’re tired before lunchtime, and dinner planning feels like a personal attack? That’s exactly when I lean on slow cooker meals like this.

I remember making this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe on one of those “everything is happening” weeks—laundry piles, emails, a fridge that looked empty except for condiments. I threw the ingredients in, walked away, and a few hours later my house smelled like a cozy, lemony hug. Dinner was done, everyone ate, and I didn’t have to babysit a stove. That’s a win I’ll take any day.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe bowl with shredded lemon herb chicken, rice, tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe served as a fresh rice bowl with creamy tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a squeeze of lemon.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work, but they can dry out more easily. If using breasts, cook on LOW and start checking around 4–5 hours. Shredding them into the juices helps keep them moist.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This is a great meal-prep recipe. Cook it, shred it, store it, and use it all week in bowls, salads, and wraps.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container with some of the juices.
Fridge: up to 4 days
Freezer: up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture)

What can I use if I don’t have tzatziki?

No tzatziki? No problem. Plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice, salt, and minced garlic is a quick “close enough to be delicious” swap. Even a dollop of hummus works in a pinch.

Can I add veggies into the slow cooker?

Yes! Bell peppers, artichoke hearts (drained), or chopped zucchini can work. Add quick-cooking veggies during the last hour on LOW so they don’t turn to mush.

Bring a Little Sunshine to Dinner Tonight

If you’re craving something easy but still full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is the answer. It’s bright, cozy, and flexible—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, and those days when you just want dinner to work out without negotiation.

Make it once, and I’m betting it’ll land in your regular rotation… right next to “breakfast for dinner” and “let’s just do tacos again.” And honestly? That’s the kind of kitchen lineup I love.

Keep the Greek Dinner Vibes Going

  • If you loved this lemony, cozy Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, you’ll probably also enjoy Slow Cooker Greek Chicken for another simple, family-friendly version with the same weeknight magic.
  • Want the perfect side that tastes like a little vacation? Pair your chicken with Greek Lemon Rice—it soaks up all those yummy juices like it was born for the job.
  • If you’re building a full spread (or just trying to make veggies feel less… veggie-ish), add something crisp and fresh like Greek Lettuce Salad—it’s light, crunchy, and totally weeknight-friendly.
  • Craving something fun for leftovers? Turn your chicken into a bowl situation with Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls—same big flavors, new delicious twist.

And if you make this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe, I’d love to hear how it went—please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (your stars help other busy cooks find their new go-to dinner!).

Print
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe bowl with shredded lemon herb chicken, rice, tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe is an easy, hands-off dinner made with tender chicken thighs, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and classic Mediterranean herbs. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for rice bowls, pitas, or meal prep, this healthy slow cooker meal is ideal for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (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 extra virgin olive oil

  • 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 or quinoa

  • Pita bread

  • Fresh dill

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Sliced cucumbers

  • Kalamata olives

  • Tzatziki sauce

  • Lemon wedges


Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sliced onions.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

  3. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.

  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. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove and slice. Stir to coat in the juices.

  6. Serve over rice, in warm pita bread, or alongside fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Chicken breasts can be substituted but may cook faster and be slightly less juicy.

For extra lemon flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.

Great for meal prep bowls throughout the week.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg