Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and effortless dinner? Look no further! This Greek Chicken Crock Pot recipe is your answer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon, oregano, and garlic, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It's the perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights, and it's so easy, even beginner cooks will master it! This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering delicious dishes without hours of prep time.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, just to brown them slightly. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip this step.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Cook on low: 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.
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Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
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Return chicken to the sauce: Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
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Serve: Serve the Greek chicken over rice, quinoa, or couscous. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Greek Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and sauce to cook evenly.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preference.
- Use bone-in chicken: For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it a complete meal: Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a complete and hearty meal.
Variations:
- Greek Chicken Salad: Use the shredded chicken to make a delicious Greek salad. Combine it with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, and dress it with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- Greek Chicken Pitas: Serve the chicken in warm pita bread with your favorite Greek toppings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Greek Chicken Crock Pot recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Greece without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!