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Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta served on a plate

Zesty Mediterranean Chicken

This Greek chicken with lemon and feta is a lively and comforting dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining, featuring bright citrus and creamy feta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1 lemon (juiced and zested) Choose firm lemons with bright skin.
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Use a fruity oil for best results.
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced, or 1 tsp dried garlic powder) Fresh garlic is preferred for flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Bloom in hot oil for deeper flavor.
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp sea salt Plus a pinch for seasoning.
  • ¼ tsp coarse black pepper
Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
  • ¼ cup feta cheese Choose a block and crumble for best texture.
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley Use bright green parsley for the best flavor.
  • Additional wedges of lemon For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
  2. Add the thin-sliced chicken, toss to coat thoroughly, and let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cooking
  1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade letting excess drip off, then sear in batches to avoid crowding. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Return all chicken to the pan briefly with reserved marinade simmered for a minute, then sprinkle with crumbled feta and chopped parsley before serving with lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not over-marinate the chicken; allow it to rest briefly after cooking for juiciness. Serve with couscous, warm pita, or a crisp Greek salad.