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Easy Greek Chicken (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or Stovetop) Recipe


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3.8 from 80 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 25 minutes (Instant Pot), up to 3 hours 10 minutes (including marinating, stovetop/oven/grill), up to 8 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker low)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Easy Greek Chicken recipe offers versatile cooking options using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, stovetop, oven, or grill. Tender and flavorful, this dish combines garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar to create a classic Greek marinade. The chicken can be shredded and optionally broiled for crispy edges, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.


Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 red onion, sliced thin
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for stovetop cooking)
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra tender marinade)


Instructions

  1. Prepare and Marinate: In a bowl or directly in the cooking vessel, combine the chicken, sliced red onion, garlic cloves, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. For stovetop, oven, or grill cooking, marinate the chicken for at least three hours; optionally, add Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Instant Pot: Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Set to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release.
    • Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
    • Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Flip and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until fully cooked. Repeat if necessary for additional batches.
    • Grill: Cook marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
    • Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 18-25 minutes depending on thickness, until cooked through.
  3. Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks in the pot or pan, allowing it to soak up the juices and sauce for 5 minutes to enhance flavor.
  4. Broil for Crispiness (Optional): To add crispy bits, transfer the shredded chicken to a baking sheet lined with foil or sprayed with cooking spray. Broil for 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy edges form. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least three hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Adding Greek yogurt to the marinade results in extra tender chicken.
  • The crispy broiling step is optional but adds delightful texture.
  • Can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
  • For a lower fat option, omit olive oil for Instant Pot or slow cooker methods.
  • Adjust cooking times depending on chicken thickness and cooking device variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 3 hours marinating when applicable)
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes (Instant Pot), 3-4 hours (slow cooker high), 6-8 hours (slow cooker low), 8-10 minutes (stovetop), 18-25 minutes (oven), 8-10 minutes (grill)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Greek