Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe

Easy Mediterranean Magic: Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe

Slow-cooking mediterranean chicken brings incredible flavor to your dinner plate with minimal effort.

Juicy meat infused with zesty herbs promises a mouthwatering meal straight from greece.

Mediterranean spices dance through tender proteins, creating a robust and satisfying experience.

Weeknight cooking becomes simple and delightful when we embrace this hassle-free approach.

Garlic, oregano, and lemon blend harmoniously to craft an authentic mediterranean sensation.

Comfort meets convenience in this straightforward recipe that anyone can master.

We know you’ll want seconds of this delectable chicken that transports taste buds across the aegean sea.

Why Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals Stands Out

  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients into the crockpot with zero complicated steps, creating a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal kitchen skills.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Miracle: Let the crockpot transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish while you tackle daily tasks or relax completely.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Mediterranean Comfort: Packed with authentic Greek flavors like kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table for families and guests alike.
  • Versatile Serving Superstar: Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, this chicken adapts beautifully to different serving styles with rice, bread, or salads.

What Goes Into Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this Greek-inspired dish.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes that add moisture and tangy flavor to the chicken.
  • Red Onion: Provides a sharp and sweet undertone to the overall dish.
  • Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that is characteristic of Mediterranean cooking.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Kalamata Olives: Briny and rich olives that bring a traditional Greek taste to the recipe.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that infuse the dish with authentic Greek seasoning.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a smooth, rich texture.
Citrus and Garnish:
  • Lemon Slices: Bright citrus that adds a fresh, zesty note to the chicken.
  • Fresh Thyme (Optional): Provides a final aromatic touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Making Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot, creating a delicious foundation for your meal. The slow cooker will transform these simple pieces into a mouthwatering dish.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
  • Red onion (thinly sliced)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Olive oil
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme

Season with salt and pepper, stirring until ingredients mingle beautifully.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Generously pour the tomato and olive mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Each piece should be swimming in Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Step 4: Brighten with Citrus

Arrange lemon slices across the top of the chicken. These bright circles will infuse the dish with zesty, fresh flavor during cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the rich flavors.

Step 6: Final Flavor Blend

Gently remove the chicken from the crockpot. Stir the remaining sauce to ensure all ingredients are perfectly combined.

Step 7: Plate and Celebrate

Transfer chicken to serving plates. Ladle the sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with fresh thyme for an extra burst of aroma. Serve alongside rice or crusty bread to soak up the delectable sauce. Bon appétit!

Helpful Tips For Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals

  • Select High-Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, plump chicken breasts without discoloration or unusual odors for the best taste and texture.
  • Infuse Maximum Flavor: Gently press herbs and spices into chicken before cooking to enhance absorption and develop richer, more complex flavors.
  • Control Liquid Levels: Avoid adding extra water since tomatoes and olives release moisture during slow cooking, preventing dry or overly watery results.
  • Perfect Serving Suggestions: Slice chicken against the grain after cooking to ensure tender, juicy pieces that easily absorb the delicious Mediterranean-style sauce.
  • Adjust Seasoning Wisely: Taste the final sauce before serving and add a pinch of salt or squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance and brighten the overall flavor profile.

Easy Tweaks For Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals

  • Mediterranean Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating beforehand in Greek seasoning for a vegetarian protein-packed alternative.
  • Spicy Greek Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the tomato mixture for those craving extra heat and bold flavor profiles.
  • Low-Carb Greek Option: Skip traditional sides and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining authentic Mediterranean taste.
  • Instant Pot Express: Transform this slow cooker recipe into a quick pressure cooker meal by reducing cooking time to 10-15 minutes while preserving the same rich, herbaceous flavors.

What Pairs Well With Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals

  • Perfect Flavor Companions
  • Pair with crisp, herbaceous white wines like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc that complement the Mediterranean flavors and cut through the richness of the chicken.
  • Elevate Side Selection
  • Serve alongside fluffy lemon-herb couscous or garlic-roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious tomato and olive sauce, creating a complete Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
  • Match with Fresh Salads
  • Create a Greek-style salad with cucumber, feta, red onions, and a light vinaigrette to add refreshing crunch and balance the warm, savory chicken dish.
  • Enhance with Herbal Garnishes
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the chicken before serving to boost the bright, zesty flavors and add a vibrant green touch to the presentation.

Storage Tips For Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place chicken and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour chicken and sauce into a skillet. Add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and warm over medium-low heat.

Got Questions? Easy Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe For Flavorful Meals Answers

  • How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Low and slow cooking in the crockpot helps keep the chicken moist. The tomatoes and olive oil also provide extra moisture, ensuring tender and juicy chicken every time.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your specific brand of olives and seasonings to confirm.

  • What makes this Greek-style chicken different from other chicken recipes?

The combination of kalamata olives, fresh lemon, herbs like oregano and thyme, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients gives this dish its authentic Greek flavor profile, making it unique and delicious.

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Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Greek Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean comfort meets simplicity in this Greek Chicken Crockpot marvel, slow-cooking tender chicken with zesty herbs and tangy olives. Effortless preparation delivers a soul-warming dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish and Complementary Ingredients:

  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts in the crockpot, creating a solid foundation for the upcoming flavor infusion.
  2. Craft a vibrant mixture by blending diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  3. Generously cascade the tomato-olive medley over the chicken, guaranteeing complete coverage to maximize flavor absorption during cooking.
  4. Strategically position lemon slices atop the chicken, introducing a bright, citrusy element to the dish.
  5. Secure the crockpot lid and initiate cooking process: low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. The prolonged cooking transforms chicken into a tender, succulent masterpiece.
  6. Upon completion, delicately extract chicken from the crockpot and whisk the remaining sauce to integrate all ingredients harmoniously.
  7. Plate the chicken, lavishly drench with prepared sauce, and optionally garnish with fresh thyme. Complement the dish with rice or crusty bread to capture every delectable drop of sauce.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken by gently pounding breasts to even thickness before placing in crockpot, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Swap traditional chicken breasts with boneless thighs for richer taste and more forgiving texture, especially if accidentally overcooked.
  • Use fresh herbs like chopped fresh oregano and thyme instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant Mediterranean flavors that elevate the entire dish.
  • Create low-carb version by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, making recipe friendly for keto and paleo diet followers while maintaining authentic Greek profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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