Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Introduction
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a bright and flavorful dish that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with tangy lemon, salty feta, and aromatic herbs for a simple yet satisfying 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
- 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 use.
- 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 allow flavors to deepen.
- 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.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken pieces 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 with the reserved marinade. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Step 6: Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours, but no longer to avoid the lemon juice breaking down the meat.
- Substitute thin-sliced chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Serve over a bed of rice or alongside a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.
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 until warmed through. The chicken is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well when stored properly.
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 brighter flavor, but garlic powder works well if you prefer a milder taste or convenience.
Is it necessary to reserve some marinade for later?
Reserving a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken ensures it is safe to drizzle on cooked chicken for extra flavor without contamination.
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Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender marinated chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a skillet. Infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika, and topped with crumbled feta and parsley, it brings a fresh Mediterranean taste to your table. Quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a delicious meal.
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
Chicken and Garnish
- 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 juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for later use.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breast pieces into 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 deeply infuse into the chicken.
- Heat the skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and let it heat thoroughly. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook the chicken without moving it until the bottoms turn a golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes. Then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the internal juices run clear when sliced.
- Plate and garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken onto a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken to add extra flavor and moisture. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese for a burst of freshness and richness.
- Serve: Serve the dish immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for an additional zesty squeeze. Enjoy your vibrant, healthy Greek-inspired chicken!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Using thin-sliced chicken breasts helps the meat cook evenly and quickly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, since feta cheese adds saltiness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- This dish pairs well with a side of rice, couscous, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta chicken, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, stovetop chicken, marinated chicken
