Greek Lemon Feta Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lemon Feta Chicken is a bright and savory dish that combines tender chicken with the tangy flavor of lemon and the creamy richness of feta cheese. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or parsley), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden on top.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use Greek yogurt mixed with feta as a creamy topping variation.
• Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for more Mediterranean flavor.
• Bone-in chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; increase baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover Greek Lemon Feta Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moistness. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use feta cheese that is not crumbly?

Yes, you can use block feta cheese by slicing it before adding to the chicken. Crumbled feta tends to distribute more evenly, but slices work well too.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the lemon and herb flavors and helps tenderize the chicken, but if you’re short on time, you can bake the chicken with the lemon-herb mixture and feta directly, though the flavor will be less intense.

Greek Lemon Feta Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

A flavorful Greek-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in lemon juice and herbs, then baked to perfection with creamy feta cheese for a tangy and savory finish.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a bright, herby marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to infuse the flavors.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.
4. Bake the chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. Add feta cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over each chicken breast, then return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the feta to soften and slightly brown without melting completely.
6. Garnish and serve: Once cooked through and golden, remove the chicken from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a fresh herbal note. Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for a longer time if possible to enhance flavor, up to 4 hours.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus brightness.
• Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
• Check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon feta chicken, baked chicken, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe