Save It Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta. This bright, juicy dish is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon and herbs, then topped with salty feta to create a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. It is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a getaway to the Greek islands.
Save It The secret to this chicken's incredible texture is the 30-minute marinade, which allows the lemon and olive oil to tenderize the breast meat. Once seared to golden-brown perfection, the addition of crumbled feta and fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch of creaminess and herbal freshness.
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 sea salt, 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper.
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) thin-sliced chicken breast, pinch of sea salt.
- Topping & Garnish: 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), lemon wedges for serving.
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and black pepper until well emulsified. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for serving.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the thin-sliced chicken breast to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Use tongs to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Step 4: Flip and Finish
- Flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Garnish
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved marinade. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 6: Serve
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a perfect sear, make sure your nonstick skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken. Using thin-sliced chicken breasts is essential as it allows the meat to cook quickly and stay juicy without drying out.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, you can easily substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried garlic powder for a similar savory depth.
Serviervorschläge
This Greek Chicken pairs excellently with a crisp Mediterranean salad, fluffy white rice, or golden roasted potatoes. If you have leftovers, they keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this dish great for meal planning.
Save It With its simple preparation and robust flavors, this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is sure to become a frequent favorite in your kitchen. It's a wholesome meal that brings a taste of sunshine to any plate.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and will be even more tender. Adjust cooking time to 6-7 minutes per side to ensure they're cooked through.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
The minimum marinating time is 30 minutes, but you can marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours as the acid may break down the meat texture.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata make excellent substitutes. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and add extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
- → Can this be grilled instead of pan-seared?
Absolutely! Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. The char adds wonderful smoky flavor that complements the lemon and herbs.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Classic Greek sides like tzatziki, Greek salad, roasted potatoes, orzo, or warm pita bread complement this chicken beautifully. Grilled vegetables or a simple cucumber tomato salad also work well.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.