Greek Lemon Feta Chicken

$Cooking Greek Lemon Feta Chicken is simple when you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The chicken breasts form the base of this dish. They soak up all the wonderful flavors. The olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken cook well. Garlic gives a nice kick and pairs great with lemon. The lemon juice and zest add brightness. They make the dish fresh and lively. Oregano and thyme offer earthy flavors that blend nicely. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Feta cheese is the star topping. Its creaminess balances the dish and tastes amazing. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Kalamata olives bring a briny touch that is hard to resist. Finally, fresh parsley not only looks good but also adds a fresh taste. With these ingredients, your Greek Lemon Feta Chicken will shine on the plate! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Then, mince 4 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons into the mix. Don’t forget to add the zest for extra flavor. Next, include 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until they blend well. This marinade will make your chicken burst with flavor. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each breast gets coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty flavors. Next, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Cook each chicken breast for about 6-7 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). In the last few minutes, sprinkle 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of sliced kalamata olives on top. This step adds a fresh touch to your dish. Once cooked, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken and place it on a plate. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the top. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your Greek Lemon Feta Chicken with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal! When making Greek Lemon Feta Chicken, pick good chicken breasts. Look for boneless and skinless breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Buy fresh chicken for the best taste. You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist. Marinating adds great flavor to the chicken. I recommend at least 30 minutes. This lets the marinade soak in. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. Just don’t go over 2 hours, or the chicken can become mushy. Always keep your marinating chicken in the fridge. You can cook Greek Lemon Feta Chicken using two main methods: grilling or skillet cooking. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. It also creates beautiful grill marks. Cooking in a skillet is quick and easy. A skillet can help keep the chicken juicy. Both methods work well; it just depends on your preference. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours. This enhances the flavors, making every bite more delicious. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the grill for a colorful and nutritious addition. Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices, resulting in a more tender chicken. {{image_2}} You can add more flavors to Greek Lemon Feta Chicken. Try adding artichoke hearts or bell peppers. These veggies bring extra color and taste. You can also toss in some spinach for a healthy boost. If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. These will spice things up a bit. For a more authentic touch, consider using sun-dried tomatoes. They add a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with feta. If you want to switch the chicken, use salmon or shrimp. Both cook quickly and soak up the lemon marinade well. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or firm tofu. Marinate them in the same way, and grill until nice and crispy. This gives a great texture and flavor. Remember, cooking times will change for these proteins, so keep an eye on them. If you don’t have dried oregano or thyme, don’t worry! You can use fresh herbs instead. Fresh parsley or basil can brighten up your dish. You can also try dill, which pairs wonderfully with lemon and feta. If you want a bolder taste, use rosemary. Just chop it finely and mix it into your marinade. Each herb will change the flavor a bit, so feel free to experiment! After you cook Greek Lemon Feta Chicken, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered. This will help keep the chicken moist and tasty. When you want to eat it again, just take it out of the fridge and enjoy. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, simply move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat your Greek Lemon Feta Chicken, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15–20 minutes or until warm. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Check that it’s warmed through before serving. You can tell if the chicken is done by checking the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink inside. Yes, you can. Feta adds a nice tang, but you can try others. Goat cheese or ricotta can work well too. They will give a different taste. Just remember, the flavor will change. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with rice, couscous, or a salad. A Greek salad is a great choice. You can also add grilled vegetables or pita bread. These sides will enhance the flavors of the chicken. To add some heat, include red pepper flakes in the marinade. You can also use spicy olives. Another option is to serve it with a spicy sauce. These additions will give your dish a kick. Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day before. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Cooking it later will still keep it tasty. You can also prepare the sides ahead of time. Yes, this recipe is quite healthy. It uses lean chicken and fresh ingredients. Olive oil is a good fat, and feta offers calcium. Adding veggies boosts the nutrition too. Enjoy this dish without the guilt! In this blog post, we explored simple steps to make Greek Lemon Feta Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, marinating methods, and cooking tips to bring out flavor. You learned about variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, marinating brings great taste, so don’t skip it! Try different herbs or proteins for a unique spin. With these ideas, you can enjoy a delicious meal any time. Happy cooking!$

Greek Lemon Feta Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, topped with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 pieces lemons, juice and zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to form a marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
In the last couple of minutes of cooking, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives over the chicken to warm them slightly.
Remove the chicken from the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it.
Serve the chicken drizzled with the remaining marinade and topped with fresh parsley.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.

Keyword chicken, feta, grilled, lemon, Mediterranean