I first created this Crockpot Chicken with Olives Greek Inspired Savory Dish during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting yet effortless. As a self-taught baker who usually spends hours perfecting pastries, I discovered the magic of slow cooker meals during busy seasons. If you’re looking for more healthy dinner inspiration, you should definitely try our healthy lasagna soup for another light and comforting option.

Comforting Crockpot Chicken with Olives Greek Inspired Savory Dish you can make today

My secret technique involves searing the chicken first to develop incredible flavor depth. This simple step transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, creating a rich foundation for the Mediterranean flavors to build upon.

Recipe Overview

Here’s what you can expect from this beautiful, slow-cooked meal that’s become a staple in my kitchen.

Cuisine: Greek-inspired
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Why This Recipe is So Special

What makes this dish stand out is how the ingredients meld together during the slow cooking process. The olives release their briny goodness while the chicken becomes fork-tender.

The combination of lemon, oregano, and garlic creates that authentic Greek taverna flavor we all love. Yet it requires minimal effort from you, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

The Full Ingredient List

I love how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each component plays an important role in building those Mediterranean flavors.

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/2 cup green olives
1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious, aromatic meal waiting for you. I’ve perfected this method through plenty of trial and error! For another great low-carb option that’s equally delicious, check out our low-carb zoodle shrimp scampi recipe.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides.
Transfer the seared chicken to your crockpot. This initial searing step is absolutely crucial for developing deep flavor.
Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, Kalamata olives, and green olives around the chicken in the crockpot.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, chicken broth, oregano, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken and olives.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer, slower cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender.
Before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. The fresh herbs at the end brighten everything up beautifully.

My Top Tips for Success

These little tricks will help you achieve the best results every single time. I’ve learned these through making this recipe countless times!

Don’t skip the searing step – it creates flavorful browned bits that enhance the entire dish
Use a mix of olive varieties for more complex flavor – I love combining Kalamata and green olives
Add the fresh herbs at the very end to maintain their bright flavor and vibrant color
If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my cooking journey, so learn from mine! These simple adjustments can make a big difference.

Overcooking can make even the best chicken dry and stringy. Stick to the recommended cooking times, especially if using chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Another common error is adding all the olives at the beginning. While most go in early, I like to reserve a handful to sprinkle over at the end for texture contrast. If you’re looking for more creative ways to use vegetables in baking, you’ll love our snickerdoodle zucchini bread as a delicious sweet treat.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 285 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 129mg
Sodium: 680mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too. Just reduce the cooking time by about an hour to prevent drying out. Chicken thighs are more forgiving, but both are delicious.

What can I serve with this dish?

This pairs beautifully with so many sides! I love it with quinoa, rice, orzo, or roasted potatoes. A simple Greek salad completes the Mediterranean experience perfectly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors continue to develop as it sits. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.