Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
When it comes to hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals, the Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken is a dish that checks all the boxes.
This recipe is one of my go-to meals for those busy weeknights when I want something delicious but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the chicken with a bright and tangy lemon flavor, while keeping it juicy and tender.
The combination of garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil brings the Mediterranean flavors to life, making this dish feel like a special treat without requiring too much effort. If you love Greek-inspired cuisine, this recipe will become one of your favorites!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few common ingredients, you can make a delicious, flavorful meal without needing to buy fancy or hard-to-find items.
- Minimal Prep Time: The prep time for this recipe is incredibly short—just a few minutes of chopping and mixing, and you’re done!
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, while the flavors are absorbed into the meat.
- Perfect for Busy Days: You can set the Crockpot in the morning and return home to a fully cooked meal, making this recipe ideal for busy workdays or weekends.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side of Greek salad for a complete meal that feels satisfying and fresh.
- Healthy and Flavorful: The use of olive oil, lemon, and herbs not only makes this recipe full of flavor but also packs in a nutritional punch, making it a healthier alternative to heavier comfort foods.
Ingredients
To make the Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1- Prep the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of your Crockpot. There’s no need to brown the chicken first—the slow cooker will do all the work and keep the chicken moist and juicy.
2- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). This marinade will give your chicken that signature Greek flavor.
3- Pour the Marinade: Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crockpot, making sure the chicken is well-coated on all sides. The olive oil and lemon juice will help keep the chicken moist and tender as it cooks.
4- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or water), which will create a flavorful base for the chicken to cook in. The broth ensures that the chicken stays juicy, and it adds flavor to the entire dish.
5- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the Crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but it’s done when the chicken is tender and fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).
6- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot, mixing it with the flavorful juices and marinade. This step ensures that the chicken is infused with all the tangy, garlicky goodness of the sauce.
7- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the shredded chicken with fresh parsley and serve. You can serve it over rice, with roasted vegetables, or with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the Crockpot with the chicken. These will cook along with the chicken and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: If you want to elevate the dish, you can serve the chicken with a side of creamy Greek yogurt sauce. Simply mix some plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for a fresh, creamy topping.
- Add Olives or Feta Cheese: For an even more Mediterranean twist, consider adding some Kalamata olives or crumbled feta cheese to the shredded chicken before serving.
- Serve with Pita Bread: Instead of serving with rice or vegetables, you can also serve the shredded Greek lemon chicken in a warm pita pocket for a quick and easy Mediterranean-style sandwich.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe, and they tend to be a little more flavorful and moist compared to chicken breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs typically take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and marinade in the Crockpot the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for later use.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh herbs, use about three times the amount of fresh oregano compared to dried oregano. You can also add fresh lemon zest for extra flavor.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for 2-3 hours. However, cooking on low for 4-6 hours is preferred to get the most tender, juicy chicken.
How to Serve
This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Rice: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, topped with a bit of extra lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- In a Pita or Wrap: For a quick Mediterranean-style sandwich, serve the chicken in warm pita bread or a wrap with fresh veggies, feta cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes for a complete, hearty meal.
- On a Salad: Add the shredded chicken to a Greek salad, including ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, for a light yet filling dish.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of your Crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Add the chicken broth (or water) to the Crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the Crockpot with two forks, mixing it with the juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy with rice, roasted vegetables, or in a wrap!
