Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its tender chicken and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, it’s an effortless meal that brings a taste of Greece to your table. The dish is not only simple to prepare but also full of flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Enjoy this healthy and delicious option that everyone will love!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Vegetables
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Brown the Chicken
• Step 2: Add Vegetables
• Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 4: Cook the Chicken
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
• With Rice
• With Quinoa
• With Salad
• With Pita Bread
• How to Perfect Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
• Reheating Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What can I serve with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?
• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
• How do I customize my Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?
• Is Slow Cooker Greek Chicken healthy?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready with minimal effort.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and feta create a delightful mix of flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and Mediterranean goodness, this dish fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
• Great for Leftovers: This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything organized will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (5-quart or larger)
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender chicken while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Large skillet: Helps in browning the chicken evenly before slow cooking, enhancing the overall flavor.

Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is moist, juicy, and packed with bright Mediterranean flavors. Featuring roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, red onion, and tangy feta, this dish is easy to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Vegetables

• 1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 1 cup kalamata olives, drained
• 1 medium red onion, cut into ½-inch chunks

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from about 3 large cloves)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

For Garnish

• ½ cup feta cheese (optional, for serving)
• Chopped fresh herbs (any mix of fresh basil, parsley, or thyme)

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How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Brown the Chicken

Lightly coat a 5-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Place it in the hot skillet seasoned side down. Brown the chicken for 1-2 minutes until golden. Flip it over and brown for an additional minute. If your skillet isn’t large enough to fit all pieces at once, work in batches to avoid overlapping. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Arrange roasted red peppers, olives, and red onion around the chicken in the slow cooker. It’s important not to place vegetables on top of the chicken; instead they should surround it to allow even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, oregano, and thyme. Pour this mixture over both chicken and vegetables in your slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 1 ½ to 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F before serving.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked through, serve warm topped with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs. Pair your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with rice, quinoa, or a refreshing salad as desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is an opportunity to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its taste.

With Rice

• Fluffy Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the savory juices.
• Lemon Rice: Cook rice with lemon zest and juice for a citrusy twist that complements the chicken.

With Quinoa

• Herbed Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and nutrition.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Mix in chopped vegetables and olives for a refreshing side.

With Salad

• Greek Salad: Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta for a classic pairing.
• Spinach Salad: Toss spinach with nuts, cranberries, and vinaigrette for a light, crunchy contrast.

With Pita Bread

• Warm Pita: Serve warm pita bread or pita chips for scooping up the flavorful chicken and veggies.
• Garlic Pita Chips: Bake pita with olive oil and garlic powder for a crispy side.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Greek Chicken can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones when possible for brighter flavors.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Brown the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Check the chicken’s internal temperature early to avoid overcooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain its juices before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken enhances your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Tzatziki Sauce: A cool yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic; perfect for drizzling over chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil make a colorful complement.
3. Feta Spinach Pie: A flaky pastry filled with feta cheese and spinach adds richness to your plate.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside your dish.
5. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with vegetables offers a light, refreshing side.
6. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These savory rolls filled with rice and herbs provide a traditional Mediterranean touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken enhances its flavor. Always brown your chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Overlapping chicken pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each chicken breast or thigh may vary in size and moisture content. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking.
• Not checking the internal temperature: To ensure safe consumption, always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
• Using high heat for too long: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Follow recommended cooking times based on your slow cooker model.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

• Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Cut into smaller pieces and reheat gently on medium power, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on low heat with a bit of olive oil or broth until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?

You can pair this dish with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Greek Chicken?

You can add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or substitute different types of olives based on your preference.

Is Slow Cooker Greek Chicken healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, making it a healthy option for dinner.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to impress!