If you have been craving a burst of sunshine on your plate, this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and the creamy, salty richness of feta cheese. Every bite bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that feel both fresh and comforting. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, enhancing the flavor, aroma, and color of the dish without overpowering it. These fresh, accessible components blend perfectly to create a balanced and memorable meal.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and zest gives a subtle tangy aroma that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Rich, fruity oil keeps the chicken moist while adding a silky texture and authentic Mediterranean flair.
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 tsp dried garlic powder): Garlic brings a warm, savory depth to the marinade, layering complex flavors.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: The classic herb delivers that unmistakable Greek essence with slightly peppery, woody notes.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smoky sweetness, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp + a pinch of sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while the extra pinch allows for careful seasoning at the end.
- 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that balances the lemon’s acidity and cheese’s creaminess.
- 1 pound of thin-sliced chicken breast: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade thoroughly.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese: This crumbly, tangy cheese adds a creamy texture and bursts of salty richness throughout.
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley: Bright green herb adds freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish visually irresistible.
- Additional wedges of lemon: For serving, to add extra citrus zing as desired.
How to Make Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This vibrant marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the chicken with layers of bright, smoky, and herby flavors that meld beautifully when given time to soak in.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the thin-sliced chicken breasts in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure all the pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to a few hours if you have time. This step ensures every bite will be juicy, flavorful, and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and cooked through. The quick cooking preserves its tenderness while giving it a delightful charred finish for added texture.
Step 4: Add Feta and Parsley
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. The feta melts slightly on the warm chicken, creating irresistible pockets of creaminess, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbal contrast.
Step 5: Serve with Lemon Wedges
Finish by adding lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus. This simple touch brightens the dish even further and gives each person a chance to personalize their tangy kick.
How to Serve Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To garnish your Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe, opt for finely chopped parsley or fresh oregano leaves. They add a beautiful verdant touch and an extra burst of herbal aroma that perfectly complements the lemon and feta flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Mediterranean sides like a fluffy couscous salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. These options bring different textures and flavors that round out your plate without stealing the spotlight from the star chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of warm pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce or stuffed into wraps with crunchy veggies. You can also transform it into a vibrant grain bowl topped with olives and a splash of extra lemon juice to make lunch or dinner an exciting, colorful feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your leftovers just as enjoyable as your fresh meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze it after cooking and cooling completely. Wrap each portion tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to retain juiciness and prevent the feta from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating when possible to keep the best texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat with more fat; just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still juicy.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Not at all. While marinating overnight intensifies the flavor, even 20 to 30 minutes will give you a delicious result thanks to the potent lemon and garlic in the marinade.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The chicken will still be flavorful thanks to the lemon and herbs, but the creamy tang from the feta will be missing.
What can I substitute for smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can work as alternatives, though the smoky undertone may be less pronounced.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Definitely! Grilling adds a wonderful char and smoky flavor that complements the Greek marinade perfectly. Just keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about pulling together a dish like this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe that feels both elevated and effortlessly simple. It’s a celebration of bold, fresh flavors that come together in a way that makes dinner feel special every time. I genuinely encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becoming your next favorite weeknight go-to or a fabulous showstopper for your gatherings.
Print
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender, thin-sliced chicken breasts marinated with zesty lemon, garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika. Topped with crumbly feta cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a light, Mediterranean-inspired meal that serves 4.
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 + a pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
Main
- 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional wedges of lemon, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and coarse black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the thin-sliced chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Add feta and parsley: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the chicken while still warm so they slightly melt and release their aromas.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to plates and serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Pair with a fresh salad, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if time allows.
- If you prefer, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 20 minutes instead of skillet cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor, but dried garlic powder is a convenient substitute.
- Thin-sliced chicken breasts help the chicken cook quickly and stay tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, considering the saltiness of feta cheese.
