Description
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, thin-sliced chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon, garlic, and herb mixture. The chicken is pan-seared to a golden perfection and finished with a garnish of fresh parsley, tangy feta cheese, and extra lemon wedges, making it a quick and healthy meal inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or 1 tsp dried garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp + a pinch of sea salt
- ¼ tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
Garnish
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- Additional lemon wedges
Instructions
- Make Marinade and Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix the marinade well until emulsified. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade for later use. Add the chicken breasts to the remaining marinade and toss with tongs to coat each cutlet thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, drizzle in a little olive oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts into the pan and sear them until the bottoms develop a nice golden brown crust, about 4-5 minutes. Flip each piece and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through—white in the middle and juices run clear when cut.
- To Finish: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the warm chicken for added flavor. Sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for squeezing on top if desired. Enjoy this bright and delicious Greek-inspired chicken dish.
Notes
- For even cooking, use thin-sliced chicken breasts or pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
- You can substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for a more herbaceous flavor—use about 1 tablespoon fresh oregano.
- Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the feta garnish or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
