Introduction

Craving a bright, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic Valentine’s Day feast? Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is your answer! Adapted from the original one-pot stovetop recipe, this slow cooker version features tender, boneless chicken thighs seasoned with oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes, slow-cooked with a vibrant lemon rice mixture packed with grape tomatoes, garlic, spinach, chickpeas, and fresh lemon juice. Topped with a tangy feta cheese mixture and fresh oregano, this dish delivers bold Greek flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures a hands-off approach, making it ideal for busy evenings or special occasions. Ready to create this flavorful masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!

Overview

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired main dish combining juicy chicken thighs with a zesty rice blend of jasmine rice, grape tomatoes, garlic, spinach, chickpeas, and lemon, finished with a creamy feta cheese topping. The slow cooker simplifies the cooking process, melding flavors into a cohesive, vibrant meal perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a romantic Valentine’s Day meal with a fresh, Greek-inspired twist.

Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high, plus 10 minutes for finishing.
Difficulty Level: Easy! Requires minimal prep, with the slow cooker handling most of the cooking.
Why It’s Special: This recipe is budget-friendly, gluten-free, and bursts with fresh, tangy flavors. The slow cooker ensures tender chicken and perfectly infused rice, making it ideal for quick dinners, gatherings, or a romantic Valentine’s Day meal with a Mediterranean flair.

Whether you’re craving Greek cuisine or planning a special meal, this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice lies in its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or zest to create a harmonious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs (1.5 lb, ~6 thighs):
- Why it’s important: Provides a juicy, tender protein base.
- Substitutions: Chicken breasts (leaner, same cooking time), or tofu for vegetarian (cook 3–4 hours on low).
Dried Oregano (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds classic Greek herbaceous flavor.
- Substitutions: Dried thyme, marjoram, or 1 tbsp fresh oregano.
Paprika (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings mild, smoky depth to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Smoked paprika or chili powder.
Salt (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the chicken’s flavors.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds a subtle, spicy kick.
- Substitutions: Cayenne (use less), hot sauce, or omit for milder flavor.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Used for searing and adding richness.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter.

For the Greek Lemon Rice:

Olive Oil (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances flavor and aids in cooking vegetables.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil or butter.
Grape Tomatoes (8 oz, ~1.5 cups, sliced in half):
- Why it’s important: Adds juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
- Substitutions: Cherry tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced, ~5 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the rice with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 tsp garlic paste.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Reinforces the Greek flavor profile.
- Substitutions: Dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh oregano.
Salt (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the rice mixture.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
Fresh Spinach (5 oz, ~4 cups, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds vibrant color and nutrition.
- Substitutions: Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (3 tbsp, ~1.5 lemons):
- Why it’s important: Provides bright, tangy flavor.
- Substitutions: Lime juice or white wine vinegar.
Cooked Jasmine Rice (2 cups, ~¾ cup dry):
- Why it’s important: Offers a fluffy, aromatic base for the dish.
- Substitutions: Basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
Chickpeas (15 oz, canned, drained and rinsed, ~1.5 cups):
- Why it’s important: Adds protein and hearty texture.
- Substitutions: White beans, lentils, or omit.

For the Feta Cheese Mixture:

Feta Cheese (6 oz, diced into small cubes, ~1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds creamy, tangy richness.
- Substitutions: Goat cheese, queso fresco, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the feta’s flavor and texture.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil or omit.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, ~½ lemon):
- Why it’s important: Adds tangy brightness to the feta.
- Substitutions: Lime juice or white vinegar.
Dried Oregano (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Reinforces the Greek flavor in the topping.
- Substitutions: Dried thyme or ½ tsp fresh oregano.
Fresh Oregano (2 tbsp, chopped, optional):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Substitutions: Fresh parsley, dill, or omit.
Fresh Oregano (for garnish, optional):
- Why it’s important: Adds a vibrant, decorative finish.
- Substitutions: Parsley or chives.

Additional for Slow Cooker:

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the chicken and rice moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or white wine.

Tip: Use fresh spinach and lemon juice for vibrant flavor, and dice feta finely for even distribution. Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is straightforward, with the slow cooker ensuring tender chicken and flavorful rice. Follow these steps for a delicious result.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp paprika, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, rubbing the spices evenly over the chicken.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through (they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker).
Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, reserving any pan juices for flavor.
Tip: Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear, and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure browning.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth and reserved pan juices for moisture.
In a bowl, combine 8 oz halved grape tomatoes, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add this mixture to the slow cooker, spreading it around the chicken.
Add 15 oz drained and rinsed chickpeas to the slow cooker for added texture.
Tip: Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent cooking, and stir gently to coat with broth and juices.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C internally) and tender.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in 5 oz chopped fresh spinach and 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing the spinach to wilt and the lemon to brighten the dish.
Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overcooking the chicken, and stir gently to avoid breaking the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

Cook ¾ cup dry jasmine rice according to package instructions (typically 15–20 minutes in 1.5 cups water or broth) to yield ~2 cups cooked rice. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rice and reheat.
Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside, keeping warm.
Tip: Cook rice in vegetable broth or add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor, and fluff gently to avoid clumping.

Step 5: Prepare the Feta Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 6 oz diced feta cheese, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¼ tsp dried oregano, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (if using). Mix gently to coat the feta.
Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tip: Dice feta into small cubes for even distribution, and prepare this mixture just before serving to maintain freshness.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return to the slow cooker and add 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, tossing gently to combine with the vegetables, chickpeas, and sauce.
Serve the mixture hot in bowls or plates, topping each portion with a generous spoonful of the feta cheese mixture (~¼ cup per serving).
Garnish with fresh oregano sprigs or additional chopped fresh oregano for a vibrant finish.
Pair with pita bread, a Greek salad, or roasted zucchini for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Tip: Serve family-style in a large dish for gatherings, or plate individually with a lemon wedge for a romantic Valentine’s Day touch.

Assembly

Assembling Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is all about creating a vibrant, Mediterranean plate. Here’s how to bring it together:

Serve the Rice Mixture: Spoon the chicken, rice, tomatoes, spinach, and chickpeas into bowls or plates, ensuring each portion has a mix of ingredients and sauce.
Add Feta Topping: Top each serving with the feta cheese mixture, scattering it evenly for creamy, tangy bites.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh oregano or parsley for color and freshness.
Presentation Tips:
- Use white or colorful ceramic bowls to highlight the vibrant tomatoes, spinach, and feta.
- Serve in a large casserole dish for a rustic, family-style presentation, or portion neatly for a polished, restaurant-style look.
- Pair with tzatziki, hummus, or a cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Tip: For a romantic touch, shape the rice mixture into a heart using a mold or garnish with a heart-shaped feta cube for Valentine’s Day.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice fresh and ready to enjoy with these tips:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store the chicken, rice, and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store the feta mixture separately for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or in the microwave (1–2 minutes). Add feta topping after reheating to maintain texture.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Chicken: Sear and season chicken a day ahead, refrigerate, and add to the slow cooker when ready to cook.
- Rice: Cook rice a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with a splash of water before combining.
- Feta Mixture: Prepare the feta mixture up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and stir before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture (without rice or feta) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat, and combine with fresh rice and feta. Avoid freezing spinach or feta, as they may lose texture.

Tip: Use leftovers in wraps, salads, or stuffed peppers, and repurpose feta mixture as a dip for veggies or a spread for sandwiches.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is versatile and easy to customize. Try these creative twists:

Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ tsp or add a diced chili pepper to the vegetable mixture.
Veggie Boost: Add diced zucchini, artichoke hearts, or olives with the tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Grain Swap: Replace jasmine rice with quinoa, farro, or orzo for a different texture.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu or extra chickpeas, using vegetable broth, and cook for 3–4 hours on low.
Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese with the spinach for a richer sauce.

Tip: Keep the lemon and feta for the Greek vibe, but adjust proteins or veggies to suit your taste.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice—a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious! With its tender chicken, zesty lemon rice, fresh spinach, chickpeas, and creamy feta topping, this recipe brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day dinners, quick weeknight meals, or meal prep with a fresh, tangy twist. Customize with spices, veggies, or grains to make it your own, and enjoy the process as much as the meal. Grab your slow cooker, whip up this Greek masterpiece, and savor every bright, flavorful bite. Happy cooking!

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

Author: Jessica

Print Recipe

Description