Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a bright, flavorful dish that brings the fresh tastes of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then topped with salty feta and fresh parsley for a deliciously simple meal.

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 plus a pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Additional wedges of lemon for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for later.
2. Step 2: Add the thin-sliced chicken breast to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
3. Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and place the marinated chicken into the skillet. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when sliced.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Step 6: Serve with additional lemon wedges, and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken!

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken up to 2 hours but no longer to avoid breaking down the texture.
• Try substituting fresh thyme or rosemary for the oregano for a different herb profile.
• Serve over a bed of rice, quinoa, or alongside a Greek salad for a complete meal.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a mild spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. The reserved marinade can be kept separately for up to 2 days but should not be reused as a marinade once in contact with raw chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more juiciness. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs are perfectly fine in this recipe, especially oregano and garlic powder. Just remember dried herbs are more concentrated, so use them sparingly compared to fresh.

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

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4.6 from 96 reviews

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated thin-sliced chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Infused with citrusy lemon, garlic, and aromatic oregano, and topped with creamy feta and fresh parsley, it brings a refreshing Mediterranean taste to your table that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade and Chicken

• 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 plus a pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast

Topping and Garnish

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Additional wedges of lemon for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the marinade is well emulsified. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture for drizzling over the cooked chicken later.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add thin-sliced chicken breasts to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Use tongs to evenly coat each piece with the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
3. Heat Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When heated, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
4. Cook Chicken – First Side: Place the marinated chicken slices into the hot skillet carefully. Cook on the first side for 4-5 minutes until it achieves a golden brown crust.
5. Cook Chicken – Second Side: Flip each chicken piece and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes more or until the chicken is fully cooked through and juices run clear when cut.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade evenly over the top, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve with additional lemon wedges for extra brightness and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the chicken slices are thin to allow even cooking and better marinade absorption.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize the citrus flavor.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, dried garlic powder is a suitable substitute.
• You can serve this dish alongside a Greek salad or some fluffy rice for a complete meal.
• Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) can deepen the flavor even more but avoid excessive marination to prevent texture changes.

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta cheese, Mediterranean recipe, skillet chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner