Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
Introduction
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the bright, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs, topped with creamy feta and olives, make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat them fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature while the oven heats.
- Step 4: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle feta cheese evenly over the chicken, then add the sliced Kalamata olives on top.
- Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate the chicken longer, up to 4 hours, for even more tender and flavorful meat.
- Substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder if preferred, adding 2 minced cloves to the marinade.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To prevent the feta from drying out, add a little olive oil before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop fully.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing the chicken first adds a nice golden crust and boosts flavor, but if short on time, you can skip this step and bake it directly in the oven. The cooking time may increase slightly.
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Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked with tangy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. The bright lemon juice and oregano bring vibrant freshness, making it a perfect easy dinner option that combines rich flavors and simple cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature while the oven heats.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add Toppings: Take the skillet off the heat, then evenly sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives over the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot alongside lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing before baking.
- Serve this dish with a side of pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad to complete the meal.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the feta and olives to avoid over-seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, baked chicken, feta cheese, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Greek cuisine, easy chicken recipe
