If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, you’re about to fall in love with this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of zesty lemon, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs that marry beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and delightfully bright. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe always hits the mark with its joyful simplicity and mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role. From the vibrant lemon juice that brightens everything up, to the rich feta that adds creamy texture, every component works harmoniously to deliver that unmistakable Greek flavor profile.
- Lemon (juiced and zested): Adds fresh citrus brightness and a subtle tang that livens up the chicken.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Ensures juicy, tender chicken and infuses a classic Mediterranean richness.
- Garlic cloves (finely minced or dried powder): Brings aromatic depth and a savory punch to the marinade.
- Dried oregano: A traditional Greek herb that lends that unmistakable Mediterranean earthiness.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a mild smoky note that adds complexity without overpowering.
- Sea salt and coarse black pepper: Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
- Thin-sliced chicken breast: Cooks quickly and stays tender, soaking up the marinade beautifully.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled over the finished chicken, it adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Sprinkled last for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Additional lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing over just before serving to brighten each bite.
How to Make Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the lemon juice and zest with the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This flavorful marinade lays the foundation for all the bright, savory notes that define this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the thin-sliced chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge to really soak in those vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden, slightly charred, and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the juices run clear and an internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
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 freshly chopped parsley. The feta melts softly into the warm chicken, creating that irresistible creamy texture paired with bright herbs.
How to Serve Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a few lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating amplifies the lemony freshness and balances out the creamy feta beautifully. Some extra parsley or a sprinkle of oregano can also make a lovely visual and flavor garnish.
Side Dishes
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad. The light yet vibrant flavors in the chicken complement refreshing sides that won’t overpower the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual meal, serve the chicken over a bed of herbed rice or alongside warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce. For a more elegant presentation, arrange the chicken on a platter with colorful roasted bell peppers and olives, turning your plate into a beautiful Mediterranean feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warming in the microwave with a splash of water or lemon juice helps keep the chicken moist and tender while refreshing those bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken immediately after tossing it in the seasoning mixture. The flavors won’t be as intense, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The lemon and herbs still provide plenty of flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
Using thin-sliced chicken breasts works best because they cook evenly and absorb the marinade nicely. If you have thicker cuts, you can butterfly or pound them thinner before marinating.
Can this recipe be cooked on the grill?
Definitely. Grilling the marinated chicken adds a smoky char that enhances the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. Just keep an eye on the heat to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels warm and inviting while bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nutrition, and endlessly adaptable for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and bring a little taste of Greece into your home kitchen — I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then pan-cooked to perfection. Topped with salty feta and fresh parsley, it offers a perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors that’s ideal for a quick and healthy dinner.
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 Ingredients
- 1 pound of thin-sliced chicken breast
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional wedges of lemon for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and coarse black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed to create a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with bright, herby flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the thin-sliced chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade. Toss thoroughly so each piece is coated. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add feta and parsley: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley evenly over the cooked chicken while still warm, allowing the cheese to slightly soften and meld with the meat.
- Serve: Serve the chicken garnished with additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. This dish pairs well with a simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are thin-sliced for even, quick cooking.
- You can substitute fresh garlic with dried garlic powder but fresh provides better flavor.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to your spice preference.
- This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce the added sea salt and rely on the feta cheese for saltiness.
