Description
For a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss, the secret lies in a final flourish of fresh ingredients. Just before serving, a sprinkle of briny feta cheese and a handful of chopped Kalamata olives elevate these simple slow cooker bowls into a restaurant-worthy experience.
I remember the first time I made this for a busy Tuesday; my kitchen smelled like a sun-drenched Greek taverna, and the best part was I had barely lifted a finger. That is the magic of these Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Bowls. They are the ultimate answer to the eternal question of what to make for dinner, especially when you are managing dietary needs like diabetes. This recipe is a cornerstone of easy diabetic recipes, turning simple ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a diabetic friendly meal plan.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
For the Bowls & Toppings:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low carb option
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- For serving: Tzatziki sauce or a simple yogurt dip
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Combine
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, dill, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken. Add the low-sodium chicken broth to the pot.
Step 2: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and shreds easily with a fork. For the best texture, I find the low and slow method yields the most succulent meat.
Step 3: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. It will soak up all those delicious Greek-inspired juices. While the chicken cooks, prepare your quinoa or cauliflower rice according to package directions and chop your fresh vegetables.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
To build your bowls, start with a base of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice. Top with a generous portion of the shredded Greek chicken. Then, artfully arrange your fresh toppings: the crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, briny olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Finish with a dollop of cool tzatziki and a scattering of fresh parsley.
Notes
This recipe is designed to be a powerhouse of nutrition, fitting seamlessly into a health-conscious lifestyle.
The lean protein from the chicken helps with satiety and blood sugar management, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber. It is a fantastic option for anyone consulting a cardiac diabetic diet food list or looking for prediabetes meals to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg