Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with the salty feta and aromatic herbs, creating a deliciously balanced meal that’s both light and satisfying.

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 marinade is well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for later use.
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 allow the flavors to deepen.
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 underside 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. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Step 6: Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of 30 minutes.
• Swap smoked paprika with sweet paprika if you prefer a milder smoky taste.
• Serve over a bed of rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier results.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, fresh garlic gives a brighter, more robust flavor. Just use about three finely minced cloves as indicated in the recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for grilling?

Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Just make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 114 reviews

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring thin-sliced chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then pan-seared to juicy perfection. Topped with crumbled feta and fresh parsley, it offers a bright and savory Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s quick to make and perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 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

Main Ingredients

• 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. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for drizzling later.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to thoroughly coat each piece with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken – First Side: Place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook without moving until the bottoms turn a golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken – Second Side: Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and juices run clear when sliced.
6. Plate and Garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
7. Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately for a delicious Mediterranean meal.

Notes

• For juicier chicken, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thinness before marinating.
• If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled juice can be substituted, but fresh zest is recommended for the best flavor.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread.
• Adjust salt according to your preference, especially if your feta cheese is very salty.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

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