Name: Short Rib Ragu Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs; 1 onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is one of those dreamy, fuss-free dinners that brings sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen—no plane ticket or hours in the oven required! With tender, juicy chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy Greek taverna every time you lift the lid.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-It-and-Forget-It: Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come home to dinner ready and delicious.
Packed with Fresh Mediterranean Flavor: The combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs packs every bite with brightness and depth.
Super Versatile: Enjoy it stuffed in pitas, over fluffy rice, tossed with pasta, or even atop a crisp Greek salad.
Naturally Healthy: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and easy to adapt to a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients can create such irresistible Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Each one plays a key role in building flavor, juiciness, and that signature Greek flair, so don’t skip what makes this dish sing.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs: Both work beautifully—the breasts stay lean and the thighs turn out extra juicy; use whatever you love best!
Onion: Thin slices melt into the chicken, giving it a subtle sweetness and body in the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the cooking liquid and keeps everything moist as it simmers away.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for that signature tangy zing that brightens the entire dish.
Olive Oil: A touch of richness that also helps carry all those herby flavors into the meat.
Garlic: Four whole cloves! Don’t be shy—garlic is key to true Greek flavor.
Dried Oregano and Thyme: This dynamic herb duo brings earthiness and classic Mediterranean aroma to every forkful.
Fine Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t underestimate the little things—seasoning is the difference between bland and mouthwatering.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t be shy about swapping, adding, or adjusting ingredients to suit your mood or what you have on hand—the results will still be deliciously Greek-inspired!

Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last couple of hours for colorful, one-pot goodness.
Low-Carb or Keto: Serve your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups for a lighter meal.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat with your Mediterranean flavors.
Cheesy Finish: Top with a handful of crumbled feta right before serving for extra richness and that classic Greek cheese pop.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Onions

Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs in a flat, even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the thinly sliced onion over the top. This keeps the meat beautifully moist and lets the onions nearly melt into the sauce as everything cooks together.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour it all right over the chicken and onions. This mixture will become the irresistible, fragrant sauce that defines Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook & Shred

Pop the lid on and let the slow cooker work its magic: set to LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with two forks and is swimming in a pool of garlicky-lemony juices. Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, so it can soak up every last drop of flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Let It Soak: If you have time, let your chicken marinate in the seasoning mixture for 30–60 minutes in the fridge before slow cooking. The extra time makes the flavors go even deeper.
Chicken Thighs = Extra Juicy: For ultra-tender results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they’re almost impossible to overcook in the slow cooker!
Don’t Rush the Shredding: After cooking, let the chicken sit in its juices for 15 minutes before shredding. It reabsorbs moisture and ends up irresistibly succulent.
Double for Meal Prep: Make a double batch! This Slow Cooker Greek Chicken only gets tastier as leftovers—perfect for easy lunches or weeknight dinners.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Garnishes

Give your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken the full taverna treatment with fresh garnishes—think a shower of chopped parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon, or a scattering of crumbled feta. Kalamata olives or a few sliced pepperoncini add a salty pop that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

This chicken is truly a chameleon when it comes to pairing. Serve over fluffy rice or classic orzo, tuck into warm pita bread, or pile high on a crisp Greek salad. For even more color, add roasted vegetables or a simple tabbouleh alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or meal prep, try using the shredded Greek chicken inside lettuce wraps, in loaded grain bowls, or as the protein in a Mediterranean-inspired wrap with crunchy veggies and tzatziki. It even makes a fantastic topping for homemade Greek pizza!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Greek Chicken keeps beautifully! After cooling completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen, making next-day lunches a treat.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Pack cooled chicken (with its sauce) into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice to loosen the sauce if needed. The chicken will stay surprisingly juicy and flavorful!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken for proper cooking and food safety. Starting with frozen chicken can affect both the texture and timing, so be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before adding to your slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written. Just double-check the chicken broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?

Bone-in chicken works too—simply increase the cooking time by about an hour. Remove the bones before shredding for easy serving.
What’s the best way to prevent dry chicken in the slow cooker?

Use chicken thighs for extra insurance against dryness, and avoid overcooking by checking for doneness at the minimum cooking time. Shredding the chicken into the cooking liquid also keeps it succulent and juicy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a satisfying, sun-kissed meal with almost zero effort, give Slow Cooker Greek Chicken a try. I promise, your kitchen will smell like summer in Santorini—family and guests will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). Enjoy every bite and make it your own!

Short Rib Ragu Recipe