Introduction
I recently tried a recipe for Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta, and I must say it quickly became a favorite in my household. The chicken turns out so juicy and flavorful, with the perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and the smoky kick of paprika. Topping it off with crumbled feta and fresh parsley gives it that Mediterranean flair that’s both refreshing and indulgent. My family couldn’t get enough of it! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is a winner. It’s simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta, you’ll need the following 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 + a pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
For the garnish:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional wedges of lemon for serving
These ingredients are not only easy to find, but they also come together to create a Mediterranean-inspired meal that is both fresh and comforting.
Instructions
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to prepare the Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta:
- Make the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk everything together until well emulsified.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for later use.
- Add the chicken to the bowl with the remaining marinade, ensuring each piece of chicken is fully coated in the flavorful mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and infuse into the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
- Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
- To Finish:
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate.
- Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
This dish comes together quickly and is perfect for busy evenings, but it’s special enough to serve to guests or at a family gathering.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 690mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
These nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts you use and the exact amount of olive oil or feta added.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 48-50 minutes
It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require too much hands-on time. The majority of the wait time comes from letting the chicken marinate, which helps infuse it with all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors.
How to Serve
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Over rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of couscous, quinoa, or orzo for a more filling meal.
- With roasted vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, healthful plate.
- In a salad: Serve the chicken on top of a Greek salad with cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and more feta cheese.
- With pita bread: Warm up some pita bread and use it to scoop up the chicken or to make a delicious wrap with fresh veggies.
- With a side of hummus: Serve with a side of hummus and fresh vegetable sticks for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or side.
Additional Tips
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts: Thin slices cook more quickly and absorb the marinade flavors better, making the dish even more flavorful.
- Don’t skip marinating: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer) to ensure the flavors penetrate deeply.
- Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the chicken the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright, fresh taste.
- Add a touch of heat: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a mild heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you have multiple chicken breasts, cook them in batches to ensure even searing and that the chicken gets golden brown.
Recipe Variations
- Grilled Version: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, you can grill the marinated chicken for an even smokier flavor. Preheat your grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or tofu for a vegetarian take on this recipe. Marinate the eggplant or tofu the same way, then grill or sauté until cooked through.
- Spicy Greek Chicken: Add more smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicier kick.
- Crispy Chicken: For a crispy coating, dredge the marinated chicken in flour or breadcrumbs before pan-searing. This will give the chicken a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped red onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes with the chicken to cook in the same pan, adding more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Chicken pairs well with:
- Pasta: Toss the chicken with pasta for a light Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Add a cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce as a dip or topping to complement the zesty lemon and feta flavors.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the lemony chicken.
- Roasted Potatoes: Serve with crispy roasted potatoes or even mashed potatoes to balance out the zesty and savory flavors.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect side to keep things fresh and healthy.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken without the garnish. Allow the chicken to cool, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and heat it in a skillet or the microwave.
- Marinated chicken: You can also freeze the chicken with the marinade. Just place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook. - Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh oregano?
Yes, dried oregano works perfectly in this recipe. Use about 1/3 of the amount if you’re substituting dried for fresh. - Can I add other spices to the marinade?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cumin, coriander, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. - How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will give it even more flavor, so it’s a great option if you want to prep ahead. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative to make the dish dairy-free. - Can I use chicken with the skin on?
Yes, though