Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the refreshing zest of lemon, the aromatic depth of garlic, and the savory richness of feta cheese. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, this recipe delivers both taste and nutrition, offering a delicious, Greek-inspired meal in just under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful balance of fresh flavors and satisfying protein. The marinated chicken is tender and juicy, infused with a bright lemony essence and complemented by the smokiness of paprika and the depth of garlic. Topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, it brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your plate. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 tsp dried garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp + a pinch of Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Coarse black pepper
- 1 lb Thin-sliced chicken breast
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the marinade is fully emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade for later use.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing with tongs to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, drizzle in a bit of olive oil and add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Garnish with extra lemon wedges for a burst of citrus. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them. The marinade will still infuse the meat beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken on a bed of leafy greens like spinach or arugula instead of rice or bread for a lighter, low-carb version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. Be sure to drizzle with a little olive oil or a splash of lemon juice to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitution. They will provide a richer flavor and stay more moist during cooking.
How can I make the marinade spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick of spice.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes?
While marinating for 30 minutes allows the flavors to infuse more deeply, you can cook the chicken immediately if you’re short on time. The chicken will still be flavorful.
Can I make the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it just before serving. Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will allow the flavors to develop even more.
Can I serve this dish with a side?
Yes, this dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or a simple quinoa dish for a balanced meal.
Can I make this recipe without feta cheese?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can omit it or substitute with another cheese such as goat cheese or Parmesan.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling the chicken will give it a smoky flavor and grill marks. Just be sure to preheat the grill and cook the chicken on medium heat.
Can I add fresh tomatoes or cucumbers to the dish?
Yes, fresh tomatoes or cucumbers can make great additions to the dish, either mixed in with the chicken or served on the side.
How can I make the dish more filling?
To make the dish more filling, serve it with a side of whole grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous, or add some roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in no time. The zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and earthy herbs infuse the chicken with a delicious flavor, while the feta cheese and fresh parsley add a creamy and refreshing finishing touch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is both healthy and satisfying, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful Greek-inspired meal.
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta
A flavorful Greek-inspired chicken recipe featuring zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese, making for a quick, delicious dinner that is both healthy and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 tsp dried garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp + a pinch of Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Coarse black pepper
- 1 lb Thin-sliced chicken breast
- Garnish: 1/4 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the marinade is fully emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade for later use.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing with tongs to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, drizzle in a bit of olive oil and add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Garnish with extra lemon wedges for a burst of citrus. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- To make this dish low-carb, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad instead of grains.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add extra minced garlic or garlic powder to the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg