Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. The zesty lemon and salty feta combine beautifully with tender chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired bite.

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 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.
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 for up to 2 hours, but no longer or the acid from the lemon may start to “cook” the meat.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Add sliced red onions or olives for more Mediterranean flavor and texture.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to turn this into a complete meal.

Storage

Store 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. Leftover chicken also works well cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

Is feta cheese necessary?

Feta adds a characteristic tang that complements the lemon and herbs, but you can omit it or substitute with goat cheese or Parmesan if preferred.

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a zesty, flavorful dish that combines thin-sliced chicken breasts marinated in a bright lemon and garlic mixture, seasoned with oregano and smoked paprika, then pan-seared to golden perfection. Finished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a quick, healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: Amaya
• 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

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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

Toppings and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for serving later.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the bowl with the remaining marinade. 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: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook undisturbed until the underside is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear when sliced.
6. Finish the dish: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
7. Serve: Garnish with additional lemon wedges and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken fresh and warm.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to really penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Use a nonstick skillet to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
• Thin-slicing the chicken breasts helps them cook quickly and absorb more marinade flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Pair this dish with a simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta cheese, easy Greek recipes, Mediterranean chicken, skillet chicken