Description
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.
Ingredients
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.
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Instructions
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.
