Craving a taste of the Mediterranean without spending hours in the kitchen? This **lemon feta greek chicken recipe** delivers a vibrant and flavorful experience in just 35 minutes! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and the salty tang of feta cheese. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Feta Greek Chicken Recipe
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a total win for busy cooks. Here’s why you’ll be making this dish again and again:
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes.
- Healthy and Flavorful: A lean protein source packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients already in your pantry.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with this impressive yet simple dish. You might also enjoy this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some helpful substitutions if needed:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking. Chicken thighs can be substituted, but will require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the bright, zesty flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is highly recommended.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: These classic Mediterranean herbs provide warmth and depth. If using fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon of each, finely chopped.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy element. For a milder flavor, try using goat cheese.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Slices (optional): For garnish.
How to Make Lemon Feta Greek Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and authentic Greek chicken dish:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This marinade is what gives the **lemon feta greek chicken recipe** its incredible flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon-herb marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Add Feta: Remove from oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional). Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your **lemon feta greek chicken recipe** turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken, even for just 30 minutes, will significantly enhance the flavor.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade before adding it to the chicken and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are excellent choices.
- Quinoa or Rice: A healthy and filling grain to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Greek Salad: A classic combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese.
- Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread for dipping in the sauce. For a sweet and salty side, you might also enjoy this honey feta sweet potato recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover lemon feta Greek chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating, as it can become dry.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. However, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, as chicken thighs typically take a bit longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. You can also roast the vegetables ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you *can* freeze this, the texture of the feta may change slightly. For best results, consume within 2-3 months of freezing. Thaw completely before reheating.
This **lemon feta greek chicken recipe** is a delicious and easy way to bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen. With its bright, zesty flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Enjoy!
Zesty Lemon Feta Greek Chicken: Ready in 35 Minutes!
This Greek Chicken recipe delivers a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon flavors, complemented by salty feta cheese and aromatic herbs. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a taste of Greece. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, and the entire dish comes together in under 40 minutes. Enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete and balanced meal. You’ll love the vibrant flavors and how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish at home!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon-herb marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator before baking. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts. If using chicken thighs, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Serve with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg