Description
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta recipe features thin-sliced chicken breast marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then pan-seared to golden perfection. Topped with salty feta cheese and fresh parsley, this dish offers a bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavor that’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 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 plus a pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for use as a drizzle later.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breast to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Heat the skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to become hot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and to enhance browning.
- Cook the chicken – first side: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the heated skillet and cook without moving them until the bottom turns golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken – second side: Flip the chicken pieces carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when cut.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate, drizzle the reserved marinade over the top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the dish with additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid over-tenderizing the meat.
- Use thin-sliced chicken breast for quick and even cooking.
- If you prefer, swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- This dish pairs well with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding chicken to get a good sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta cheese, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner
