Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a simple, comforting dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and bright lemon flavors, all seasoned with classic Greek herbs like…

By Brad
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February 21, 2026
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Reading time: 5 min

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Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a simple, comforting dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and bright lemon flavors, all seasoned with classic Greek herbs like oregano and garlic. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and makes you feel like you’re enjoying a little piece of the Mediterranean, even on a busy day.

I love making this recipe because it’s so hands-off — just pop everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The chicken comes out perfectly tender and juicy, while the potatoes soak up all those delicious flavors. Plus, the lemon gives it a fresh pop that keeps it feeling light and bright, which is a nice change from heavier slow cooker meals.

My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pot, maybe with a side of crusty bread or a simple Greek salad to add some crunch. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I find myself reaching for it whenever I want something cozy but still full of flavor. It’s always a hit with family and friends, and usually, there’s never any leftovers because everyone loves it so much!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and stay juicy during slow cooking. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work but may dry out slightly.

Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes cook evenly and soak up the lemon-herb sauce well. Yukon Gold or fingerlings are good substitutes if you can’t find baby potatoes.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest add bright citrus flavor that balances the herbs. Bottled lemon juice won’t be as fresh, so try to use fresh lemons when possible.

Herbs: Oregano, thyme, and rosemary give the dish its classic Greek taste. You can use fresh herbs instead of dried if you have them—just use about three times more, and add them closer to the end of cooking.

Chicken Broth: Adding broth helps keep the chicken moist. If unavailable, water works, but broth adds more depth of flavor.

How Do You Keep Chicken Thighs Tender and Flavorful in a Slow Cooker?

Slow cooking chicken thighs makes them tender and juicy, but some tips help ensure the best results:

• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs; bones help keep meat moist and skin adds flavor.
• Place potatoes at the bottom—they act as a rack, lifting chicken above direct liquid.
• Pour sauce evenly over the chicken for full flavor coverage.
• Cook on low heat when possible; slow, steady cooking keeps thighs tender.
• For crispy skin, broil the thighs for a few minutes after slow cooking—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker – the star of this recipe; it cooks chicken and potatoes slowly to full tenderness.
• Mixing bowl – to whisk together the lemon herb sauce easily.
• Whisk or fork – helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Knife and cutting board – for quartering the baby potatoes and prepping garlic.
• Baking sheet (optional) – for crisping the chicken skin under the broiler after slow cooking.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Try boneless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking; adjust time as needed.
• Add sliced bell peppers or red onions for extra sweetness and color.
• Sprinkle feta cheese on top just before serving for a creamy, tangy touch.
• Include a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that complements lemon well.

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken and Potatoes:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Lemon Herb Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

For Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Lemon slices

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then slow cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. If you want crispy skin, add an extra 3-5 minutes under the broiler after cooking. Overall, mostly hands-off cooking with a delicious result!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Lemon Herb Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This sauce will give the chicken and potatoes their bright, herby flavor.

2. Prepare Potatoes and Chicken:

Place the quartered baby potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, arrange the chicken thighs on top of the potatoes to let their juices drip down and flavor the potatoes.

3. Add Sauce and Broth:

Pour the lemon herb sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Add the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker to keep things moist as it cooks.

4. Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, and the potatoes soft.

5. Optional Crisping Step:

If you love crispy chicken skin, carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!

6. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs and arrange lemon slices on top for a beautiful, tasty finish. Serve warm and enjoy your Greek-inspired meal!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using. This helps it cook evenly in the slow cooker.

Can I Use Different Potatoes?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes work well as substitutes. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare all ingredients and place them in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, cook as instructed, adding extra cooking time if needed since ingredients will be cold.