Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: a vibrant and incredibly flavorful Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta. This simple recipe brings together tender chicken, bright lemon, savory garlic, and salty feta for an unforgettable dish. It’s truly easy to make and packed with delicious Mediterranean tastes. You’ll love how quickly this comes together, perfect for any meal!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken
You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons, making it a staple in your kitchen.
- Quick and Simple: This Greek chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, preparing in just minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the fresh, tangy zest of lemon combined with aromatic garlic and oregano.
- Versatile for Year-Round: It’s a light and fresh dish that suits any season, from summer grilling to cozy winter dinners.
- Healthy & Satisfying: This meal offers lean protein and fresh ingredients, making it a wholesome choice.
- Easily Adaptable: Adjust spices or add extra vegetables to tailor it perfectly to your taste.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta
Gathering a few fresh ingredients is all it takes to make this amazing Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta. Each component plays a vital role in creating its signature taste.
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced, or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp + a pinch of sea salt
- ¼ tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional lemon wedges (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
Achieving the best flavor often comes down to quality ingredients and smart substitutions.
- Lemon: Always use fresh lemons for the brightest zest and juiciest results. Bottled juice lacks the same vibrant punch.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor. However, dried garlic powder is a convenient alternative when you’re short on time.
- Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its rich, fruity notes are essential to the Mediterranean profile.
- Chicken: Thin-sliced chicken breast cooks quickly and evenly. If using thicker cuts, remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Feta: Crumbly feta cheese is ideal, providing an authentic tangy and salty texture. Pre-crumbled feta works wonderfully.
- Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley adds a beautiful fresh finish and bright color. Cilantro can be used as a fresh herb substitute if preferred.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amounts of oregano and paprika to suit your personal taste preferences.
Equipment Needed
Making this Greek chicken is straightforward, requiring just a few basic kitchen tools.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional, for accuracy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
Start by creating the vibrant, flavorful marinade that defines this delicious Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh lemon zest and juice. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and coarse black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything well until all the ingredients are fully combined and emulsified. This ensures a consistent flavor profile throughout the dish. Once your marinade is ready, set aside ¼ cup of this aromatic mixture for later use.
Marinate the Chicken
Next, it’s time to infuse your chicken with all those wonderful Greek flavors. Add the 1 pound of thin-sliced chicken breast to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to gently toss the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the marinade. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and ensuring maximum flavor penetration. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. This brief marinating time is perfect for the lemon-based marinade.
Cook the Chicken
When you are ready to cook, heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is sufficiently hot, drizzle in a small amount of olive oil. Carefully place the marinated chicken into the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Sear the chicken until the bottom is beautifully golden brown, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side for thin-sliced pieces. Once a nice crust has formed, flip the chicken. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side, or until the chicken is completely white in the middle and its juices run clear when cut into.
To ensure your chicken is safely cooked, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for all poultry.
An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
Finish and Serve
Once the Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is perfectly cooked, it’s time for the final touches. Carefully transfer the cooked chicken pieces from the skillet to a clean serving plate or platter. Remember that ¼ cup of reserved marinade? Now is the time to drizzle that fresh, uncooked marinade directly over the warm chicken. This adds an extra burst of bright lemon and herb flavor to the finished dish. Generously sprinkle the top of the chicken with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Garnish your beautiful Greek chicken with additional fresh lemon wedges for an extra pop of color and citrus. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken
Elevate your Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta with these simple tips.
- Marinating Time: Stick to marinating for 30 minutes for optimal flavor. Avoid marinating over 60 minutes.
- Lemon’s Effect: The acid in lemon juice rapidly tenderizes the chicken. Over-marinating can make the meat mushy.
- Understanding the scientific basis of this process can help achieve optimal texture; research demonstrates how acidic marinades can increase the tenderness of poultry meat.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to adjust the amounts of spices like oregano and paprika to suit your personal preference.
- Doneness Check: Always ensure the chicken juices run clear when pierced. An internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safe eating.
- Chicken Thickness: For very even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before marinating.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile Greek chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
- Serve over a crisp green salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Pair this delicious chicken with fluffy white rice or a nutritious quinoa pilaf for a complete meal.
- Offer a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce or a simple tzatziki on the side to complement the rich flavors.
Recipe Variations
Explore different cooking methods and twists to enjoy your Greek-inspired chicken.
- Grill: For a smoky flavor, grill your marinated chicken over medium-high heat until it has nice char marks and is fully cooked through.
- Bake: After a quick sear for color, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and finish baking in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 375°F.
- Instant Pot: Sear the chicken first in the Instant Pot, then pressure cook briefly with a splash of broth for a rapid meal.
Storage & Meal Prep
Make ahead or enjoy leftovers easily with these storage tips.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Greek chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Once cooled completely, place individual portions of cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook, which can dry it out.
Nutrition Facts
Enjoying this flavorful Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a healthy choice!
| Nutrition per serving (1 chicken breast) |
|---|
| Calories: 288 kcal |
| Carbohydrates: 4g |
| Protein: 26g |
| Fat: 19g |
| Saturated Fat: 4g |
| Trans Fat: 1g |
| Cholesterol: 81mg |
| Sodium: 530mg |
| Fiber: 1g |
| Sugar: 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you serve Greek Chicken?
Serve this delightful Greek chicken over a fresh salad with crisp romaine and juicy tomatoes. It also pairs perfectly with buttery rice or fluffy quinoa for a hearty meal. Consider adding a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce on the side. - How long can you marinate chicken with lemon?
For the best flavor and texture, marinate your chicken for 30 minutes. It’s crucial not to exceed 60 minutes when using a lemon-based marinade. - Does lemon tenderize?
Yes, lemon’s acidity is an effective tenderizer for chicken, breaking down muscle fibers. However, over-marinating can lead to an undesirable mushy texture.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta truly delivers on flavor and simplicity. It’s a fantastic recipe that combines tender chicken with the bright, zesty notes of lemon, the aromatic warmth of garlic and oregano, and the delightful saltiness of feta. Perfect for anyone seeking an easy yet incredibly satisfying meal. We hope you try this delicious recipe soon and share your thoughts! Please leave a comment and rate it below.
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Saran wrap
- Nonstick skillet
- Serving plate
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt plus a pinch
- 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- lemon additional wedges
Instructions
Instructions
- Combine lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, and all spices in a large mixing bowl; mix until emulsified. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade.
- Add chicken to the remaining marinade, tossing to ensure full coating. Cover and refrigerate for thirty minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear chicken until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until white inside and juices run clear.
- Transfer chicken to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved marinade, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and feta cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.