Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
When you try this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with flavorful potatoes, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul.
I love how easy it’s to prepare; just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. The aroma that fills my home while it cooks is irresistible.
Plus, the combination of olives, pepperoncini, and herbs delivers a vibrant taste that transports me to the Mediterranean. It’s a dish that brings my family together, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe has got you covered. It’s all about tossing a handful of fresh ingredients into your slow cooker, setting it, and letting the magic happen. The combination of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and zesty Mediterranean flavors is downright comforting.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that can practically cook itself? You’ll have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds. So, let’s gather the ingredients and get ready to plunge into!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chopped pepperoncini pepper
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients before we roll up our sleeves and get cooking.
First off, if you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, feel free to swap in chicken breasts or even drumsticks; just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary a little. As for the potatoes, Yukon Golds are perfect because they’re creamy and hold their shape well, but you could also use red potatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
The olives and pepperoncini give this dish its vibrant kick, so don’t skip those. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could throw in some other Mediterranean goodies like artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
Just remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to make this recipe your own!
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into the deliciousness that’s Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. First things first, grab 1 1/2 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes and slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds. These beauties are going to form a hearty base for our dish, so don’t skimp on the slicing. Toss those potato slices in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Give them a good mix, and then layer them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Now, it’s time to give some love to the chicken. You’ll need 3 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Season them generously with salt and ground black pepper. Let’s be honest, a little seasoning goes a long way, right?
Next, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. We want to get that oil sizzling—think of it like a hot tub for the chicken! Now, flour half of those seasoned chicken thighs (about 1 tablespoon should do it) and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown.
Once they’re browned to perfection, transfer them to the slow cooker, skin-side up, right on top of those potatoes. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken—yes, I know it’s a bit of a process, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Now, in the same skillet, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat (goodbye excess grease) and toss in 1 cup of thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook those for about 8 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant. Add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir it for just one minute. We want the aroma to fill your kitchen—it’s like an edible love letter to your senses.
Transfer that onion-garlic mixture to the slow cooker, and then deglaze the skillet with 1/4 cup of dry white wine, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Simmer until the wine reduces by half, then add that to the slow cooker too.
Finally, toss in 1 cup of chopped pepperoncini peppers, 1 cup of pitted kalamata olives, the juice from 1 lemon cut into wedges, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary, and 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Cover it all up and cook on LOW for 4 1/2 hours or HIGH for 2 1/2 hours. Just set it and forget it—how easy is that?
When it’s done, you’ll have a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, and your family will be begging for seconds before they even get their first!
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to keep the dish exciting.
You can swap chicken thighs for breast meat if you prefer a leaner option. Instead of yukon gold potatoes, try sweet potatoes or even quinoa for a different texture.
Feel free to use red wine instead of white for a richer flavor. If you want some heat, toss in some diced jalapeños.
And for a fresh twist, add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Wondering what to pair with your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken? I love serving it with a side of fluffy couscous or fragrant rice to soak up those delicious juices.
A fresh Greek salad, loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta, adds a revitalizing crunch. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables or a warm pita bread can round out the meal perfectly.
Don’t forget a dollop of tzatziki sauce; it complements the chicken beautifully!
Finally, a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer enhances the flavors nicely. These sides truly elevate the experience and create a delightful dinner spread!
Additional Tips & Notes
Serving Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with sides like couscous or a vibrant Greek salad can enhance the overall dining experience, but there are a few additional tips that can make your dish even better.
First, try marinating the chicken overnight for deeper flavors. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and let the sauce simmer on the stove to reduce.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving brightens the dish. Finally, don’t forget to squeeze extra lemon juice on top for a revitalizing finish.
Enjoy your meal—you’ll love the flavors!