Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

Introduction

I recently made Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta for a family dinner, and it was a huge hit! The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices in the marinade created a burst of flavors that really brought the chicken to life. The feta cheese added a creamy, salty contrast that perfectly complemented the bright citrusy notes of the dish. Not only was it delicious, but it was also so quick and easy to prepare. I loved how the chicken turned out tender and juicy, with a beautiful golden sear on the outside. This dish is one of those recipes that you’ll want to make again and again because it’s both satisfying and refreshing. If you love Mediterranean flavors, this is a must-try!

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 of thin-sliced chicken breast

Garnish

• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Additional wedges of lemon

Instructions

1. Make Marinade and Marinate:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well-emulsified, creating a smooth marinade. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade to use later. Add the chicken to the bowl with the remaining marinade and toss to coat. Make sure each piece of chicken is fully covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
2. Cook Chicken:
   Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is heated, place the marinated chicken in the skillet. Sear the chicken until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue to cook until it is cooked through and the juices run clear, another 3-4 minutes.
3. To Finish:
   Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese. For added freshness, serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean flavors!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including marinating time)

How to Serve

• As a main dish: Serve the Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta alongside a fresh Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• On a pita: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken in a warm pita with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumber, and tomatoes.
• With couscous or quinoa: Pair the chicken with couscous or quinoa for a healthy, hearty side dish.
• On a platter: This dish is great for a family-style meal. Serve the chicken, garnished with feta and parsley, on a platter with extra lemon wedges for everyone to share.
• With dips: Serve with a side of hummus or a refreshing yogurt dip for added flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Marinate for longer: If you have time, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours or even overnight to let the flavors fully develop.
2. Use skinless chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb the marinade well.
3. Grill instead of pan-fry: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat instead of pan-frying it.
4. Add olives: For an extra Mediterranean twist, add some Kalamata olives to the plate when serving.
5. Make it spicy: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Thighs: You can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil, to adjust the flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese to make this dish dairy-free, and serve it with a dairy-free tzatziki or vegan feta alternative.
• Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Lemon and Dill: Instead of parsley, use fresh dill as the garnish for a more traditional Greek flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For a complete meal: Serve the Greek chicken with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• For a refreshing side: Serve the chicken with a side of cucumber and tomato salad with a light lemon-olive oil dressing.
• With pita bread: Serve the chicken with warm, fluffy pita bread for dipping in the reserved marinade or a side of tzatziki sauce.
• With rice or couscous: Serve the chicken over a bed of couscous or brown rice for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• With a light soup: Pair this dish with a Greek lentil soup or a simple tomato soup for a light and satisfying meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Marinade Storage: If you have extra marinade, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and use it for another batch of chicken or as a dressing for salads.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
   Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook—about 20-25 minutes per side depending on thickness.
2. Can I make this dish without lemon?
   While lemon is key to the flavor of this dish, you can substitute it with lime or even orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
3. What other herbs can I use?
   If you don’t have oregano, you can substitute with thyme or rosemary, which are also commonly used in Mediterranean cooking.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time (up to 24 hours) and cook it right before serving. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days before reheating.
5. Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but if necessary, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute.
6. Can I serve this dish with a side of pasta?
   Absolutely! Serve this chicken with a side of spaghetti or orzo pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a complete meal.
7. What if I don’t have a nonstick skillet?
   You can use any skillet, but make sure to add a little extra olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.
9. Can I make this dish on the grill?
   Yes, grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to brush the chicken with olive oil before grilling to keep it moist.
10. Can I add more veggies to this dish?
    Yes, adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the pan while cooking the chicken can enhance the dish with more color and flavor.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a light yet flavorful dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean freshness to your table. The bright lemon, savory garlic, and rich feta cheese create a harmonious combination that complements the tender chicken perfectly. Whether served with a side of rice, a crisp salad, or in a pita, this recipe is versatile and sure to impress. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Try it for your next meal—you won’t be disappointed!

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