Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe. The combination of succulent chicken thighs, tender potatoes, and zesty ingredients makes every bite a delight.
I appreciate how simple it’s to prepare; just toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible, making dinner time a special occasion.
Plus, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
When it comes to cooking, the right ingredients can make all the difference. For this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken, you’ll want to gather a few key items that not only create a wonderful flavor but also bring a bit of that Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner table.
Imagine this: golden potatoes nestled under juicy chicken thighs, all soaked in a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and tangy olives. Sounds good, right? Plus, most of these ingredients are pretty easy to find, making this dish accessible to even the most novice cooks.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal:
- 1 1/2 lbs yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Ground black pepper
- 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 peppers
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
Now, you might be wondering, do I really need all these ingredients? Well, yes and no. While the chicken and potatoes are essential, the olives and pepperoncini add a unique zing that really makes this dish pop.
And hey, if you can’t find fresh rosemary, dried will do in a pinch. Just remember, cooking is all about feeling free to adjust things to your taste and what you have on hand.
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
Alright, folks, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. First things first, you’ll want to grab 1 1/2 lbs of those lovely yukon gold potatoes. Slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds—don’t worry about being perfect; rustic is the name of the game here. Toss those slices into your trusty 6-quart slow cooker with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Give them a gentle mix to coat.
Now, on to the star of the show, the chicken. You’ve got 3 lbs of bone-in skin-on chicken thighs waiting for their moment. Season them generously with salt and ground black pepper; it’s like giving them a warm hug before they hit the heat.
Next, let’s get a little sizzle going. In a large skillet, heat up the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Here’s where things get a bit fancy. Dredge half of your chicken thighs in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess like you’re dusting off your worries. Place them skin-side down in the skillet and cook until they’re beautifully browned—around 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them over to get that golden color on the other side, then transfer those beauties to the slow cooker, skin-side up, right on top of those potatoes.
Repeat this for the rest of the chicken, and try not to eat the crispy bits that might fall into the pan. I mean, I know it’s tempting, but we’re trying to keep it classy here.
Now, let’s talk aromatics. In the same skillet, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat—don’t toss it, that’s flavor! Add 1 cup of thinly sliced yellow onion and let them hang out, stirring occasionally until they turn golden—about 8 minutes. Toss in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for the last minute, just to wake up the senses.
After that, deglaze the skillet with 1/4 cup of dry white wine, scraping up any tasty bits that might be stuck at the bottom. Once that wine reduces by half, pour this fragrant mix into the slow cooker over the chicken.
Finally, add in 1 cup of chopped pepperoncini peppers, 1 cup of pitted kalamata olives, and a couple of lemon wedges along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary. Don’t forget to pour in 1/2 cup of low sodium chicken broth to keep things nice and moist.
Now, cover that slow cooker and set it on LOW for about 4 1/2 hours or HIGH for 2 1/2 hours. Go ahead and take a moment to imagine how good your kitchen is going to smell. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Substitutions & Variations
Exploring substitutions and variations for Slow Cooker Greek Chicken can elevate the dish to suit your taste preferences or accommodate what you have on hand.
For instance, if you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts work just as well, though they may need less cooking time. You can also swap out the yukon gold potatoes for sweet potatoes or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
If you don’t have kalamata olives, green olives can be a tasty substitute. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can replace rosemary, giving a different flavor profile.
And if you’re looking for a little heat, adding red pepper flakes can spice things up! The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
While planning your meal, consider pairing Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with a revitalizing Greek salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish. The crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese add a stimulating contrast that balances the savory chicken.
I also love serving it with warm, crusty pita bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious juices. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, roasted vegetables or a fluffy couscous dish work wonderfully, too.
To drink, a chilled glass of white wine enhances the Greek experience. Finally, don’t forget a side of tzatziki sauce; its coolness perfectly offsets the spices in the chicken. Trust me, these sides elevate the entire meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken turns out perfectly, I recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Chop your potatoes and onions, and measure out your spices and liquids. This makes assembly a breeze!
If you want deeper flavors, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for a few hours or overnight.
When cooking, avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this can extend cooking time. If you prefer a crispier skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes after it’s done cooking.
Finally, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving—everyone’s palate is different. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks; it’s a true comfort food experience!