Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken: A Flavorful Journey

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with the bright, zesty flavors of Greece. Picture succulent meat, kissed by lemon, mingling with the salty tang of Kalamata olives and the rich, creamy texture of feta cheese. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality of Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken – a recipe so simple, yet so incredibly rewarding, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this dish practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of loved ones or simply relax after a long day. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary culinary experience, perfect for a family meal, a casual get-together, or even a romantic dinner for two. Prepare to be amazed by the ease and the exquisite taste of this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe.

Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

A flavorful and easy crockpot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts infused with lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Lemon thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes oil-packed, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons 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

• Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
• Top the chicken with the sliced lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
• 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. 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 crockpot, dinner, easy, family-friendly, greek, lemon chicken, slow cooker, weeknight

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Effortless Simplicity: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Minimal prep time means maximum relaxation.
• Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, and basil creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite is a burst of sunshine on a plate.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender and juicy chicken breasts, every time. No more dry, overcooked chicken here!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken over rice, pasta, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious on its own, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks.
• Healthy and Wholesome: This recipe is packed with flavor and is relatively healthy, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s a great source of lean protein and vibrant vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the ingredients in advance, pop them in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe truly embodies the spirit of effortless cooking, delivering exceptional flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s a recipe designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s become a firm favourite amongst busy home cooks.

Why You Should Try This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

Beyond its simplicity and deliciousness, there are many compelling reasons to give this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe a try:

• Impress Your Guests Effortlessly: This recipe is perfect for impressing guests without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a truly memorable meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious, healthy leftovers throughout the week. This is a fantastic way to save time and energy during your busy days.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making this recipe a wallet-friendly choice for your family.
• Adaptable to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or experiment with different types of cheese.
• Kid-Friendly (with modifications): While the olives and feta might not appeal to all children, you can easily adapt the recipe by omitting these ingredients or serving them on the side for picky eaters.
• Explore Mediterranean Cuisine: This recipe is a fantastic introduction to the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a delicious and healthy way to explore new flavors and expand your culinary horizons.

With its ease, deliciousness, and versatility, this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a must-try for every home cook. It’s a recipe that combines convenience with incredible flavor, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t just take our word for it – give it a try and experience the magic yourself!

Ingredients and Utensils for Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

Gathering the ingredients for this Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a breeze. You’ll likely already have many of them in your pantry!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Provides that signature zesty, bright flavor that defines Greek cuisine. Using thinly sliced lemon allows for maximum flavor infusion.
• 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 extra richness to the dish.
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: These briny olives contribute a salty, savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the bright lemon.
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a salty, creamy element. Use good-quality feta cheese for the best results. You could also experiment with other cheeses such as goat cheese.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A classic Mediterranean ingredient, garlic adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes plus extra if needed): Olive oil provides richness and helps to tenderize the chicken. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A quintessential Greek herb that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle sweetness and earthiness to balance the overall flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferable.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and helps to create a flavorful sauce. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.

Utensils:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): The heart of this recipe! Choose a size appropriate for the amount of chicken you’re cooking.
• Sharp Knife: For mincing garlic and slicing the lemon.
• Cutting Board: A clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the herbs and spices.
• Spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Serving Dishes: To present your delicious Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating this incredible Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken dish. Let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better if you choose to sear them (optional step).
2. Optional Searing Step: For added flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is not mandatory but adds a nice depth of flavor.
3. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer the thinly sliced lemon on the bottom. Place the chicken breasts on top of the lemon slices. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives (halved), crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, and remaining olive oil. Mix well.
4. Season and Add Broth: Sprinkle the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Then, spread the sun-dried tomato mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and 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. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the flavorful sauce. You can also remove the lemon slices if you prefer. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish, such as rice, pasta, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Important Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Tips and Variations for Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to help you make it your own:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or dill.
• Cheese Alternatives: Try using goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a blend of cheeses instead of feta.
• Add Vegetables: Include chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of orange juice or a few slices of orange along with the lemon for a more complex citrus profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free chicken broth (check the label).
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) but don’t overcook it.
• Don’t overcrowd the Crockpot: If you’re cooking a large batch, consider using two slow cookers to ensure even cooking.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken

This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting satiety.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Good Source of Healthy Fats: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Boost of Vitamins and Minerals: This recipe provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the lemon, garlic, and herbs, contributing to overall health and well-being.
• Calcium from Feta: Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings): Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and quantities.

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

FAQs

Conclusion

This Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. It’s a recipe that delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of zesty lemon, salty olives, and creamy feta creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. From its effortless preparation to its incredible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media using #CrockpotGreekLemonChicken! For more delicious slow cooker recipes and other mouth-watering dishes, check out our other recipes on Lorachef.com – you might enjoy our Crockpot Angel Chicken or our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole! Happy cooking!

For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest: Our Pinterest Board