Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a simple and tasty meal that brings together juicy chicken thighs, tender potatoes, and bright lemon flavors with a hint of oregano.…

By Riley • February 21, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a simple and tasty meal that brings together juicy chicken thighs, tender potatoes, and bright lemon flavors with a hint of oregano. The slow cooker makes everything super tender, and the lemons add a fresh, zesty touch that wakes up your taste buds. Plus, the garlic and herbs give it that classic Greek vibe we all love.

I love how easy this dish is to prepare—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but really isn’t, which makes it perfect for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends. I like to add a little extra lemon zest on top just before serving for an added pop of flavor.

Serving this with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh cucumber salad really completes the meal and makes it feel like a little Greek feast. It’s one of those dishes that everyone asks for seconds of, and if you have leftovers, they taste just as good the next day. Trust me, this slow cooker lemon chicken and potatoes will quickly become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and stay juicy. You can use boneless thighs, but skin adds nice texture and helps keep moisture.

Red Potatoes: These hold their shape well when slow-cooked. Yukon gold or baby potatoes are good alternatives if red potatoes aren’t available.

Lemons: Both sliced and juiced lemons add fresh citrus brightness. If fresh lemons aren’t handy, lemon juice from a bottle works, but fresh is better for flavor.

Herbs: Dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley create that classic Greek flavor. If fresh herbs are on hand, you can swap dried for fresh but use about three times more fresh herbs.

Olive Oil: This is key for marinades and cooking. Extra virgin olive oil is best, but regular olive oil will do in a pinch.

How Can You Make the Chicken Extra Flavorful in the Slow Cooker?

Marinating the chicken is the secret to deep flavor. Here’s how to do it right:

• Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
• Coat the chicken well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Overnight in the fridge is even better, allowing flavors to seep in.
• Arrange potatoes first in the slow cooker since they take longer to cook, then place the chicken on top—this lets juices drip down for great taste.
• Adding lemon slices during cooking keeps it fresh and adds a nice tang.

This simple prep ensures your chicken is tender, juicy, and full of that bright Greek flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and makes the chicken tender and juicy all day.
• Large mixing bowl – to toss and marinate the chicken with the herbs and lemon juice easily.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping potatoes and slicing lemons safely and quickly.
• Tongs – help you arrange the chicken and potatoes without making a mess.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken thighs for bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer white meat; just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Add a few olives or capers for a salty, briny kick that pairs wonderfully with lemon and herbs.
• Mix in sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and veggies.
• Sprinkle feta cheese on top just before serving to add creamy, tangy flavor that’s very Greek.

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Chicken and Marinade:

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 lemons (2 sliced, 1 juiced)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For The Potatoes:

• 4 large red potatoes, cut into chunks

For Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Fresh parsley, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

Preparing this tasty slow cooker meal takes about 10 minutes of hands-on prep. Then, it needs to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps boost flavor, but you can do this ahead overnight if you like.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade and Marinate Chicken:

In a large bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat each piece well. Let them sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate overnight in the fridge for extra flavor.

2. Prepare Slow Cooker and Layer Ingredients:

Put the cut potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken and potatoes. Then, layer the lemon slices over and around everything.

3. Cook and Serve:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the potatoes are soft. When ready, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and chopped parsley. Serve warm, paired with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread if you like.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before marinating. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking in the slow cooker.

Can I Substitute the Potatoes with Another Vegetable?

Absolutely! You can use sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips as alternatives. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken.

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 stovetop. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help keep the chicken moist.

Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken and chop the potatoes the night before to save time. Then simply layer everything in the slow cooker and start cooking when you’re ready.