Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of easy and delicious. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with bright lemon flavor, aromatic garlic, and earthy herbs. It’s a healthy, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or dinner parties. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like rice, potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Chicken broth or white wine (for moisture)
- Optional: sliced red onion or baby potatoes
- Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-herb marinade over the top.
- Add chicken broth or white wine to the bottom of the cooker for added moisture.
- If using, scatter sliced red onion or baby potatoes around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6. Prep time is 10 minutes, with a cook time of 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. Optional broiling adds 5 minutes.
Variations
- Use boneless chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts cook faster and shred easily for wraps or bowls.
- Add vegetables: Include potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers in the slow cooker for a full one-pot meal.
- Creamy version: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy sauce.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for heat.
- Citrus mix: Combine lemon with orange or lime juice for a unique flavor twist.
- Greek-style finish: Top with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish also freezes well—cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
FAQs
What type of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the most flavor and stay moist, but boneless cuts work well too for easier serving.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
No, the slow cooking process infuses plenty of flavor without a separate marinating step.
Can I overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, especially with boneless breasts. Use the lower end of the cooking time and check for doneness.
What should I serve with Greek lemon chicken?
Rice, orzo, roasted potatoes, pita bread, tzatziki, or a cucumber salad all work beautifully.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prep all ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker in the morning.
How do I get crispy skin?
After slow cooking, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, after removing the chicken, simmer the sauce on the stovetop with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free—just ensure any broth or added sides are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that delivers all the bright, savory flavors of the Mediterranean with hardly any effort. It’s juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—great for family dinners, leftovers, or impressing guests with minimal prep. Add it to your rotation and enjoy a fuss-free taste of Greece any night of the week.
PrintSlow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken
Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish made with garlic, herbs, and a bold lemon marinade. This effortless Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or casual dinner parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2.5–3 lbs bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- Optional: 1 small red onion, sliced
- Optional: 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-herb mixture over it.
- Add chicken broth or white wine to the bottom of the cooker.
- If using, scatter sliced onion and baby potatoes around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: Transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use bone-in thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a one-pot meal.
- To thicken the sauce, remove chicken and simmer liquid on the stovetop with a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve with rice, orzo, or Greek salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx 6 oz chicken + sauce)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
