Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to Greece

Imagine a succulent, juicy chicken, infused with the bright, zesty flavors of Greece. Picture tender chicken breasts, bathed in a fragrant lemon sauce, punctuated by bursts of salty Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure, effortlessly achieved in your slow cooker. This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious and stress-free dinner, perfect for a weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend gathering. The aroma alone will transport you to a sun-drenched Greek taverna, promising a taste of the Mediterranean without the hassle of hours spent in the kitchen. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a true weeknight winner.

Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

Tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful lemon and herb sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. A simple and delicious weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker/Crockpot
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Lemon thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed drained, reserve oil
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup Feta cheese crumbled
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil reserved from sun-dried tomatoes plus extra if needed
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• Pour the garlic herb mixture over the chicken.
• Arrange the lemon slices, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives on top of the chicken.
• Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
• Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, dinner, easy, greek, lemon, slow cooker, weeknight

The beauty of this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a few hours in your slow cooker, you’ll create a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that allows you to relax and enjoy your evening while a flavorful masterpiece simmers away. Forget scrubbing pots and pans – just toss everything into your crockpot and let the magic happen. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken to perfection, ensuring each bite is unbelievably juicy and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about convenience, ease, and unforgettable flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken:

• Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping and prepping are required. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of lemon, oregano, basil, garlic, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts remain incredibly moist and tender, even without added liquids.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! One pot means less washing up, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• Impress Your Guests: This dish is restaurant-quality, yet surprisingly easy to make, guaranteeing compliments from family and friends.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This recipe is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of flavorful herbs and vegetables.

Why You Should Try This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there are many reasons to add this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken to your recipe repertoire:

• Time-Saving: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner without the fuss. Simply set it and forget it!
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making this a cost-effective meal option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is universally appealing, perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with diverse palates.
• Flavor Explosion: The bright, tangy lemon, combined with the earthy oregano and savory olives, creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
• Dietary Adaptability: Easily adaptable to gluten-free, low-carb, and other dietary needs (see variations below).
• Perfect for Beginners: Even novice cooks will find this recipe incredibly easy to follow and achieve perfect results.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you focus on other things. No more hovering over the stove!
• Delicious Leftovers: The flavors intensify as the chicken sits, making leftovers just as delicious as the original.

Ingredients and Utensils for Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients and having the proper tools at hand ensures a smooth and successful cooking experience. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Detailed Ingredient List:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Choose high-quality chicken for optimal flavor. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Provides that essential bright, zesty flavor. Make sure to use fresh lemon for the best taste.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve oil): Adds a rich, intense tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness. The oil from the jar adds depth to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Classic Greek olives provide a salty, briny counterpoint to the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes.
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty, tangy finish. Use high-quality feta for the best result.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic, savory base. Fresh garlic is always best.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes plus extra if needed): Adds richness and helps to create a luscious sauce. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A quintessential Greek herb, adding an earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and balances the flavors. Freshly ground pepper is always recommended.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps create a delicious sauce. Low-sodium broth is preferred.

Recommended Utensils:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): The heart of this recipe! Choose a size appropriate for the amount of chicken you’re cooking.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the lemon and prepping the olives.
• Cutting Board: A clean work surface is essential.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For combining the ingredients.
• Serving Platter: To beautifully present your Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

Now for the fun part – let’s make this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken!

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the chicken breasts. Thinly slice the lemon. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes (reserving the oil) and coarsely chop them. Mince the garlic. Crumble the feta cheese.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the lemon slices around the chicken. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Evenly distribute the sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives over the chicken and lemon. In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved sun-dried tomato oil, additional olive oil (if needed), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and other ingredients.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Ensure the liquid doesn’t completely submerge the chicken.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken breasts.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. You can also use a hand mixer.
7. Combine and Simmer: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the chicken with the sauce. Cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Stir in Feta: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Do not overcook, as the feta can become rubbery.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken hot, garnished with extra feta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh oregano, and a lemon wedge, if desired. Serve with rice, orzo pasta, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Essential Point: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. This is crucial for food safety.

Tips and Variations for Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

Experiment with this recipe and adapt it to your liking!

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Citrus Twist: Use a combination of lemon and orange for a more complex citrus flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to or instead of the dried oregano and basil.
• Vegetable Additions: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts during the last hour of cooking for extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb: Omit the chicken broth and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Creamy Variation: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end for added creaminess.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal:

(Note: Exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. The following is an estimate.)

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes and olives are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
• Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides a good source of vitamin C (from lemon), vitamin K (from olives), and various minerals.
• Fiber: Sun-dried tomatoes offer some fiber, contributing to digestive health.

A typical serving (approximately 6 oz of chicken and accompanying sauce) might contain roughly:

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

FAQs

Conclusion

This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The combination of bright lemon, savory herbs, and salty olives creates a truly unforgettable taste of Greece. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and experiences in the comments section below. And if you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, check out our other articles on OviaRecipes.com such as our Asparagus, Lemon & Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells or our Tortellini with Cream and Spinach with Shrimp. You can also find inspiration for other dishes on our Pinterest board! Happy cooking!