Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Tacos

With a hands off prep and bold flavors, these slow cooker Greek chicken tacos are my answer to an easy yet crowd pleasing weeknight meal that feels fresh even when your schedule is anything but. Inspired by Mediterranean street food but wrapped up in classic taco form, this recipe blends tender herbed chicken, tangy yogurt, and crunchy toppings so every bite sings with flavor.

My family cheers every time these make the dinner rotation and they are a surprise favorite for picky eaters. I first made them as a summer experiment and they have been requested regularly ever since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: These cook quickly and stay juicy in the slow cooker. Choose ones that are fresh and plump for best results.
• Olive oil: Divided throughout the recipe. Adds richness and helps everything brown. Look for extra virgin for best quality.
• Greek seasoning: Brings smoky herbs and a touch of tang. Check the blend for oregano and garlic for that classic flavor.
• Salad cucumbers: Add crunch and coolness. Choose firm unblemished ones for best texture.
• Grape tomatoes: Juicy sweetness to balance savory notes. Pick those deeply colored for ripest flavor.
• Red onion: Gives a bite and gorgeous color. Slice thinly for best crunch.
• Basil leaves: Adds fresh herbal brightness. Look for vibrant green leaves without bruising.
• Salt and pepper: Bring out the flavors of all ingredients. Taste for seasoning as you go.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy tangy substitute for sour cream. Pick a thick unsweetened yogurt for the best texture.
• Lemon juice: Lifts everything with fresh acidity. Use freshly squeezed if possible.
• Taco sized flour tortillas: Soft tender base that wraps everything up nicely. Warm them until just pliable for best experience.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Coat the chicken tenderloins in olive oil and a generous sprinkling of Greek seasoning. Make sure each piece is evenly covered so every bite gets infused with flavor.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

Arrange the seasoned chicken evenly in your slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on high for about three to four hours or on low for six to eight hours. The meat should become fork tender and ready to shred or slice.

Mix the Greek Salsa:

Combine chopped cucumber, grape tomatoes, sliced red onion, and slivered basil in a bowl. Drizzle with the rest of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently until everything is glossy and mixed. Place in the refrigerator so the flavors meld while the chicken cooks.

Make the Lemony Yogurt Sauce:

Whisk together plain Greek yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. Pop it in the fridge to chill so it is ready for drizzling.

Assemble the Tacos:

Warm the flour tortillas until soft. Layer two pieces of cooked chicken into each tortilla. Top with a big scoop of the crisp veggie salsa. Add a dollop of the lemon yogurt sauce and any extra toppings you love.

The Greek seasoning is my favorite part as it always reminds me of my first trip to Athens. My kids love topping these with extra yogurt and even eating the salsa by the spoonful on repeat.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The Greek salsa will keep best for about one to two days before the veggies lose their crunch. For the yogurt sauce, keep it tightly covered and use within a week. If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, shred it first and store it with a splash of the cooking juices for a quick thaw and reheat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Not a fan of chicken tenderloins? Try boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For a dairy free sauce, swap Greek yogurt out for a plant based variety and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If you run out of fresh basil, try parsley or dill for a new herb kick. Whole wheat or corn tortillas also work as a gluten free variation.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with a simple side salad or roasted potatoes to keep the Mediterranean feel. These tacos are also fun served build your own style at a party so guests can assemble to taste. For extra tang, offer slices of marinated feta or kalamata olives alongside.

Cultural Inspiration

Taco night looks very different around the world and this version brings together Greek flavors and classic taco warmth. The lemony yogurt and fresh veggies reflect the sunny ingredients I found in Greek markets, while the taco wrap is pure comfort. It is a little global trip on a plate.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use roasted summer squash instead of cucumber for a heartier version when the weather cools. Add pomegranate seeds or pickled red onions in winter for extra zing. Swap the slow cooker for grilled chicken in peak summer for smoky flavor.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Portion the cooked chicken and sauce into freezer safe bags before adding the fresh veggie salsa. Lay the bags flat to freeze then reheat gently and assemble with fresh tortillas and veggies. This is a great prep ahead meal for busy weeks.

Success Stories

I brought a pan of these to last year’s potluck and friends are still messaging me for the recipe. One family loved it so much they put it on their permanent Sunday dinner rotation. The kids like to get creative with toppings and create their own signature taco versions.

When prepping tacos for a group, keep the chicken and veggies in separate bowls and let everyone build their own fresh. Enjoy these tacos for any easy, fresh dinner night.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Use boneless skinless chicken tenderloins and cook on low heat. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness and moisture.

→ Can I prepare the salsa in advance?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the cucumber, tomato, onion, and basil salsa up to a day ahead for enhanced flavors.

→ What type of yogurt works best?

Plain Greek yogurt provides the desired creamy texture and tang. Full-fat or low-fat options both work well.

→ Are flour tortillas necessary?

Soft flour tortillas are traditional but corn tortillas or pita bread are great alternatives for different textures.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store chicken, salsa, and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.