Easy Slow Cooker Chicken With Greek Yogurt Marinade

In the busy world of parenting, there’s a simple solution: the slow cooker. Imagine juicy chicken marinated in Greek yogurt, cooking slowly while you go about your day. It’s easy, it’s tasty, and it’s perfect for busy parents!

Chicken is on regular rotation in our household, and I bet the same goes for many of you too.

It’s quick and easy to prepare, which is perfect for those of us who don’t have time for complicated recipes. Plus, kids love chicken!

And if you’re tired of the same 2 or 3 ways you normally cook chicken, this Greek yogurt crockpot chicken recipe is what you need! Versatile and delicious, the tender chicken shreds pair well with any side and work great as a base for sandwiches and grain bowls too.

Plus, the beauty of this dish is it almost cooks itself! The chicken, tender from hours of slow cooking, practically falls apart. And Greek yogurt marinade adds depth of flavor and is also high in protein and probiotics.

This “set it and forget it” slow cooker chicken with Greek yogurt recipe is the perfect solution when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Chicken With Greek Yogurt

• 2 large chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 tsp minced garlic cloves
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and salt.

2. Mix until well combined.

3. Place the chicken breasts inside the crock pot. Add half of the yogurt mixture over the chicken. Reserve the rest for later in the fridge.

4. Mix well to ensure all sides of the chicken are covered with the marinade.

5. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and strain off the excess liquid.

7. Shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks and add the remaining yogurt marinade.

8. Mix well.

9. Sprinkle with parsley and serve it up hot.

Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this slow cooker chicken with Greek yogurt recipe your own! Here are some variation ideas you can mix and match.

• Spicy Kick: Spice up your chicken by adding curry powder or garam masala to the yogurt marinade. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick if you like it more spicy.

• Vegetable Mix-Ins: Take advantage of the slow cooking process and add colorful varieties of veggies such as red bell peppers, Kalamata olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes. These additions not only add vibrant color but also a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your chicken.

• Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesy and extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of cottage cheese or cream cheese to your marinade, or crumble some feta cheese or mozzarella cheese over the shredded chicken before serving. The salty richness of the cheese perfectly complements the tanginess of the Greek yogurt marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made this delicious slow-cooker chicken with Greek yogurt, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some suggestions:

• Greek Chicken Gyros: Use the chicken shreds for Greek-inspired sandwiches by stuffing them into mini naan or warm pita bread. Add a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki made with plain yogurt, diced cucumbers, and minced garlic for an authentic touch. Serve with a tomato salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar and olive oil for a complete meal!

• Nutritious Rice Bowl Base: Create a wholesome and hearty meal by serving your crockpot chicken with yogurt over a bed of nutrient-rich grains like, cauliflower rice, wild rice, or basmati rice. Add steamed green beans and diced red bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious twist.

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve your Greek yogurt crockpot chicken in lettuce wraps or lentil quesadillas, a low-carb alternative to traditional wraps. Top with diced tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and a dollop of sour cream for a lighter meal that’s perfect for warmer weather.

Repurposing Leftover Chicken

Don’t let any leftover chicken go to waste! Here are some creative ways to repurpose it for the next day:

• Chicken Soup: Use your leftover slow cooker chicken in this comforting chicken and dumplings meal.

• Chicken Casseroles: Incorporate your shredded chicken into chicken casseroles for a quick and easy weeknight dinner! Mix it with cooked pasta, vegetables, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.

• Chicken Salad: Transform your leftover slow cooker chicken with Greek yogurt into a delicious chicken salad by mixing it with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and creamy mayonnaise. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or between two slices of bread, perfect as a refreshing and satisfying lunch option!

Tips for Success

• Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinade in the fridge with some of the Greek yogurt mixture for at least an hour before cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick protein addition to your meals throughout the week!

One Last Thing

If you’re a busy parent like me you’ll love the simplicity of this crockpot chicken recipe.

With minimal effort and easy cleanup, these tender chicken shreds will become your favorite way to cook chicken for an effortless meal solution that is delicious and nutritious!

Your Turn

If you make this slow cooker chicken with Greek yogurt recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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