Tangy Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe for Summer Meals

Mediterranean kitchens buzz with vibrant flavors, and this Greek chicken with lemon and feta carries the spirit of sunny islands.

Sunshine-kissed lemons dance with tangy cheese, creating a symphony of taste that whispers ancient culinary secrets.

Fragrant herbs mingle with succulent meat, promising a meal that transports you straight to coastal Greece.

Rich feta crumbles promise creamy textures against crisp chicken skin.

Marinating transforms simple ingredients into a remarkable dish bursting with zesty character.

Each bite connects you to generations of passionate home cooks who understood food’s power to unite and delight.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a Mediterranean haven.

Ingredients Required For Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the primary ingredient and foundation of the dish.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that provide tangy flavor and help tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps distribute flavors and create a rich cooking medium.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Greek flavor profile.

• Oregano, Smoked Paprika: Herbaceous and smoky spices that contribute authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• Feta Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Creamy cheese and fresh herb that add textural contrast and bright garnish.
• Lemon Wedges: Additional citrus element for serving that provides extra zesty freshness.

How To Make Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they become a harmonious blend of flavors.

Set aside a small portion of the marinade for later use.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken in Goodness

Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch is coated with the zesty mixture.

Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to dance and mingle, creating a deeper taste experience.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a touch of olive oil. Carefully place the marinated chicken into the pan, letting it sear and develop a golden-brown crust.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, making sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear.

Step 4: Dress and Impress

Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a serving plate.

Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top for an extra flavor punch. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously across the chicken, creating a creamy, tangy finish.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve with Sunshine

Plate the chicken with lemon wedges on the side, inviting everyone to add an extra squeeze of bright citrus flavor.

This Greek-inspired dish brings the warmth of Mediterranean cuisine right to your dinner table, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party.

Helpful Tips To Cook Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta

• Refrigerate chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow lemon and herb flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, creating more complex and richer taste profiles.
• Use a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken's interior tender and juicy.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and prevent it from becoming overly melted or losing its distinct flavor.
• Serve this protein-packed dish alongside a crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a nutritious, low-carbohydrate meal that's both satisfying and healthy.
• Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption while maintaining optimal moisture and tenderness.

Exciting Variations To Refresh Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta

• Mediterranean Turkey Option: Swap chicken with ground turkey, keeping the same marinade and cooking method for a leaner protein choice that maintains the authentic Greek flavors.
• Vegetarian Chickpea Transformation: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas, using the identical marinade and spice blend to create a plant-based version that delivers robust Mediterranean taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute chicken with grilled cauliflower steaks, marinading and cooking them using the same technique to provide a vegetable-forward meal with classic Greek seasoning.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon Variation: Use salmon fillets instead of chicken, coating them with the original marinade and adding a sprinkle of extra oregano for a seafood-based Mediterranean-style dish.

Pairings That Enhance Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta

Pair crisp white wine like Assyrtiko to complement the lemon’s brightness and chicken’s delicate flavors.

Serve alongside Greek salad or tzatziki to enhance the dish’s tangy profile and provide cool, complementary textures.

Add roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme to create a robust background that highlights the chicken’s Mediterranean essence.

Enjoy a sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea to mirror the recipe’s lemony undertones and cleanse the palate between bites.

Storing Tips To Keep Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta Fresh

• Store leftover Greek chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the feta and parsley separate to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade so flavorful?

The marinade combines lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. These ingredients create a complex, zesty flavor profile that deeply penetrates the chicken, making each bite delicious and aromatic.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you cook them to the right internal temperature of 165°F and avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for best results, let it sit in the marinade for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to fully develop and tenderize the meat.

Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta Bursting With Flavor

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Master a delectable Greek chicken recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Burst with Authentic Flavors: Combine zesty lemon, aromatic oregano, and tangy feta to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish that transports your taste buds without leaving home.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for solo dinners, family gatherings, or casual entertaining, this chicken adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios with its crowd-pleasing profile.
• Quick Culinary Adventure: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour, making it ideal for home cooks seeking bold flavors without complicated techniques.

Greek Chicken With Lemon And Feta Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Greek chicken with lemon and feta brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate, celebrating fresh ingredients from Greece. Zesty herbs, tangy feta, and succulent chicken create a simple yet elegant meal that will transport you to sunny Aegean coastlines with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• Additional lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by zesting and juicing lemons, then blending with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
2. Separate 1/4 cup of the marinade for later use, then immerse chicken pieces completely in the remaining mixture, ensuring each portion is evenly coated.
3. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
4. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, adding a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully place marinated chicken in the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust.
6. Flip the chicken and continue cooking an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
7. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate, generously drizzling the reserved marinade for enhanced flavor complexity.
8. Garnish the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic presentation.
9. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to adjust the citrus intensity to their preference.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the zesty lemon and aromatic herbs to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a more flavorful and tender result.
• For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts and reduce the olive oil to cut down on calories without compromising taste.
• Gluten-free diets can enjoy this recipe as-is, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
• Meal prep warriors can marinate the chicken overnight, intensifying the Greek-inspired flavors and saving time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 664 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 141 mg