Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is the perfect recipe. Juicy, garlic-marinated chicken is roasted to golden perfection with fresh lemon, oregano, and a touch of olive oil, then finished with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast.

This dish is simple, fresh, and full of flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes, a crisp Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a complete, satisfying feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big on Flavor – The combination of lemon, oregano, garlic, and feta gives this dish a bold, tangy, and savory taste.
• Easy to Prepare – A simple marinade does all the work, and the chicken roasts to perfection in the oven.
• Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for added depth)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
• ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives (for extra Mediterranean flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Place the marinated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
2. Scatter the sliced red onion and lemon rounds around the chicken.
3. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
4. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Add the Feta and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
2. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
3. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight—this will enhance the lemony, garlicky taste.
• Don’t skip the resting time! Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking helps it stay juicy.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for even more flavor. Just increase the cooking time to 35–40 minutes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
• Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta chicken, Mediterranean recipe

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking dish or cast-iron skillet
• Meat thermometer

Helpful Tips for the Best Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

Want to make your Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta absolutely perfect? Follow these simple yet effective tips to ensure the best flavor, texture, and presentation every time.

1. Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

• Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness—avoid bottled juice for the best taste.
• Fresh oregano brings out the authentic Greek flavors, but dried works in a pinch.
• High-quality feta cheese (preferably Greek) makes a big difference in creaminess and taste.

2. Let the Chicken Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes

• The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight is best, but if you’re short on time, aim for at least 30 minutes.
• If you’re marinating for longer than 2 hours, cover and refrigerate the chicken to keep it fresh.

3. Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Overcooking will dry out the chicken.
• If using bone-in chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time to 35–40 minutes.

4. Broil for a Golden, Crispy Finish

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
• Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

5. Crumble Feta Cheese Over Hot Chicken

• Adding feta while the chicken is still warm allows it to soften slightly, making it even more delicious.

6. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving

• After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.

7. Add Extra Mediterranean Flavors

• Toss in Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or artichokes before baking for added depth.
• Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil just before serving for richness.

8. Serve with Complementary Sides

• Pair with roasted potatoes, rice, or warm pita bread for a full Mediterranean meal.
• A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives is the perfect refreshing side.

9. Make It Ahead for Meal Prep

• The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cooked chicken stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

10. Adjust the Recipe for Your Diet

• For a keto-friendly version, skip the onions and serve with cauliflower rice.
• For a dairy-free option, leave out the feta or use a dairy-free feta substitute.

this RECIPE

Conservation and Storage

To keep your Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines. Whether you’re meal prepping, saving leftovers, or freezing for later, these tips will help maintain the best flavor and texture.

1. Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Keep the feta separate if you want to maintain its texture. You can sprinkle it on fresh when reheating.

2. Freezing for Longer Storage

• Freezing Cooked Chicken:
  • Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
• Freezing Marinated Raw Chicken:
  • Place the raw, marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

3. How to Reheat Without Drying Out

• Oven Method (Best for Maintaining Juiciness):
  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.
  • Cover with foil and warm for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop Method:
  • Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
  • Sauté the chicken for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.
• Microwave Method (Quickest but Less Ideal):
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

4. Avoid Freezing Feta Cheese

• While the chicken freezes well, feta can become crumbly and lose its creamy texture.
• If freezing the dish, add fresh feta after reheating for the best flavor and consistency.

5. Storing the Marinade Separately

• If you have extra marinade, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken—always discard it after use.

Substitutions and Variations

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adjust for dietary needs, ingredient availability, or just to try something new. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free, low-carb, or vegetarian option, here are plenty of ways to customize the recipe while keeping it just as flavorful.

1. Protein Swaps

• Boneless vs. Bone-in Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer, juicier result. Adjust the cooking time to 35–40 minutes.
• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, making them a great alternative.
• Turkey Breast: If you want a leaner option, turkey breast works well with the marinade.
• Salmon or Shrimp: For a seafood twist, use salmon fillets or shrimp. Reduce the cooking time—salmon needs about 15–18 minutes, shrimp just 8–10 minutes.

2. Dairy-Free & Vegan Alternatives

• Dairy-Free Feta: Use a plant-based feta alternative or crumbled tofu for a similar texture.
• Olive Tapenade Instead of Feta: A mix of chopped Kalamata olives and capers adds a briny, salty contrast.
• Vegan Protein Option: Replace chicken with marinated tofu, chickpeas, or cauliflower steaks. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.

3. Low-Carb & Keto Modifications

• Skip the Red Onion: Onions contain natural sugars—omit them for a lower-carb dish.
• Serve with Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles: Instead of traditional rice or potatoes, pair it with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini to keep it keto-friendly.
• Add More Healthy Fats: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or add avocado slices before serving.

4. Different Marinade Variations

• Lemon-Herb Marinade: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme for a different Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic-Yogurt Marinade: Swap olive oil for Greek yogurt to create a creamy, tangy marinade that tenderizes the chicken.
• Spicy Greek Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

5. Oven vs. Skillet vs. Grill

• Oven-Baked: This is the easiest method—just let the oven do the work.
• Stovetop (One-Pan Meal): Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, then reduce heat, cover, and cook until done.
• Grilled Greek Chicken: Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, turning once. This adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon and feta.

6. Extra Toppings & Flavor Enhancements

• Kalamata Olives: Add a briny, salty bite by scattering olives over the chicken before baking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A sweet and tangy addition that complements the lemon.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Crispy Chickpeas: For extra texture and protein, top with roasted chickpeas before serving.

7. Serving Variations

• Make It a Bowl: Serve the chicken over quinoa, orzo, or couscous with tzatziki sauce.
• Wrap It in Pita Bread: Slice the chicken and tuck it into a warm pita with cucumber, tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon dressing.
• Turn It Into a Salad: Serve sliced chicken over a Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and olives for a fresh, light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a skillet instead of baking?

Yes! Sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 5–6 minutes per side, then reduce heat and cook until done.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

You can! Just warm it up in a skillet with a little olive oil, then add the feta at the end.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best method is reheating in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

What should I serve with Greek chicken?

Some great options include:

• Roasted potatoes or rice
• Tzatziki sauce
• Greek salad
• Steamed or grilled vegetables

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is bright, zesty, and incredibly satisfying. The tangy lemon and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with flavor, while the crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty finish. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is so easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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