Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken with Tomato and Olive Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with olives and herbs, resulting in tender meat infused with Mediterranean flavors. This greek-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 380 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, large, diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and brown them for 4 minutes per side until golden; transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour the tomato and olive sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the dish for brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken with Tomato and Olive Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken with Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken with Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken with Tomato and Olive Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken with Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Greek chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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