Best Crockpot Greek Chicken

Best Crockpot Greek Chicken

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This Crockpot Greek Chicken is a Mediterranean dream slow-cooked into a tender, flavor-packed meal. With juicy chicken thighs simmering in a rich broth of lemon, garlic, herbs, olives, and tomatoes, this dish brings the taste of Greece straight to your dinner table without any fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a stress-free yet impressive dinner.

Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this dish is a one-pot wonder that pairs beautifully with rice, orzo, or warm pita. The olives add briny depth, the lemon brightens everything up, and the herbs make your kitchen smell like a coastal taverna. It’s healthy, hearty, and absolutely unforgettable.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Crockpot Greek Chicken come together effortlessly, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

  • Slow Cooker (Crockpot): This is your MVP. It gently cooks the chicken over hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the meat to become fork-tender.
  • Mixing Bowl: Great for tossing the chicken with the marinade before adding it to the crockpot.
  • Tongs: Perfect for transferring the chicken without losing the seasoning.
  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need these for slicing onions, garlic, lemon, and herbs.
  • Garlic Press (optional): Helps release all that robust garlic flavor without much effort.

Taking a few minutes to prep everything beforehand means smooth sailing when it’s time to slow cook. The better your prep, the bolder your flavor.


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Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Greek Chicken

  • Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: These hold up well in the crockpot and stay juicy.
  • Cherry tomatoes: They soften and burst, adding natural sweetness and acidity.
  • Red onion: Brings mild sharpness and aromatic depth.
  • Kalamata olives: Their briny bite perfectly balances the citrus and herbs.
  • Garlic cloves: A foundational Mediterranean flavor you don’t want to skip.
  • Lemon slices: For brightness and that distinct Greek zing.
  • Olive oil: Helps blend the marinade and adds healthy fat.
  • Oregano and thyme: Essential herbs that build the iconic Greek profile.
  • Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the natural flavors.
  • Crumbled feta (optional): Add at the end for a creamy, tangy finish.

How To Make the Best Crockpot Greek Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Layer the Crockpot

Add the sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and half of the lemon slices to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken on top.

Step 3: Add the Olives & Remaining Lemon

Sprinkle Kalamata olives over the chicken, followed by the rest of the lemon slices. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the top.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the chicken with a spoonful of its juices, top with optional crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or pita bread.


How to Serve and Store Crockpot Greek Chicken

Serve this dish hot from the slow cooker, with its savory juices spooned over rice, quinoa, or orzo. It’s also perfect tucked into warm pita with a side of tzatziki.

For storage, let the chicken cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a diced chili pepper if you want extra heat.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be cautious not to overcook them as they dry out faster. Thighs are more forgiving in slow cooking.

What can I substitute for olives?

Capers or artichoke hearts can give a similar briny note without olives.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely. Simmer the chicken over medium-low heat in a covered pot for about 45 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to pair it with gluten-free sides like rice or potatoes.

Can I meal prep this in advance?

Definitely. You can prep the marinade and chicken the night before, refrigerate it, and start cooking the next day.


Want More Chicken Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?

If you love this Crockpot Greek Chicken, check out these delicious recipes too:

And for even more recipe inspiration, head over to my Pinterest: Life With Olivia where I share daily meals and ideas!


Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding feta? Did you serve it over rice, or stuff it into pita?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter!


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Best Crockpot Greek Chicken

Best Crockpot Greek Chicken


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Crockpot Greek Chicken is a slow-cooked Mediterranean classic made with juicy chicken thighs, lemon, garlic, herbs, and olives. Easy to prepare and full of bold, fresh flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners.


Ingredients

2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 medium red onion, sliced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)


Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken thighs in marinade until fully coated. Let rest for 10–15 minutes.

2. Layer sliced onion, cherry tomatoes, and half of the lemon slices at the bottom of the crockpot.

3. Place the marinated chicken on top, then scatter olives and remaining lemon slices. Pour any extra marinade over everything.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.

5. Serve hot with optional crumbled feta and fresh herbs. Pair with rice, orzo, or warm pita bread.

Notes

Let the chicken marinate at least 10 minutes for deeper flavor.

Thighs are ideal for slow cooking—they stay juicy and tender.

Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicy twist.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 780
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 36
  • Cholesterol: 145

Keywords: crockpot greek chicken, slow cooker chicken, mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe

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