Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Introduction
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines zesty citrus, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta cheese. This easy recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table, perfect for a weeknight meal or casual entertaining.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: Add the thin-sliced chicken breast to the mixing bowl with the remaining marinade. Use tongs to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
- 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 a golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when sliced.
- 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.
- Step 6: Serve with additional lemon wedges, and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken!
Tips & Variations
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for even more intense flavor, but avoid leaving it too long to prevent the lemon juice from overpowering the meat.
- For a smoky depth, try substituting smoked paprika with regular paprika if preferred.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or warm pita bread to complete the meal.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier results; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store any 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 until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, fresh garlic adds a more vibrant flavor. For this recipe, use 3 finely minced garlic cloves, or substitute with 1 tsp dried garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Absolutely! Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely charred for a delicious twist.
PrintGreek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender thin-sliced chicken breast marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then pan-seared to perfection and topped with salty feta cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional wedges of lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic (or dried garlic powder), dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and coarse black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for drizzling later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts into the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to evenly coat each piece of chicken. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and let it become hot. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken on one side without moving until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken pieces over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked inside and the juices run clear when cut. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- 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 freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve: Garnish with additional lemon wedges on the side and serve immediately to enjoy the bright, fresh, and savory flavors of this Greek-inspired dish.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption; overnight marination will intensify the taste further.
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, dried garlic powder is a good alternative.
- Adjust seasoning and salt levels based on your preference, especially since feta cheese adds saltiness.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta cheese chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, lemon and herb chicken
