Greek Lemon Feta Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 2 medium-sized lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges - Additional feta cheese - Mixing bowl - Grill or large skillet - Whisk - Plastic wrap or lid In this recipe, you’ll need some simple and fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts are a great base, and they soak up the marinade well. The olive oil adds richness, while garlic gives a nice kick. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness. Oregano and thyme add warm, herbaceous notes. The feta cheese is key. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken. Halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives add color and burst of flavor. Finally, fresh parsley makes it look nice and adds a hint of freshness. You can also use some lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. If you love feta, feel free to sprinkle more on top when serving. For equipment, a mixing bowl makes it easy to combine everything. A grill or skillet will cook the chicken evenly. A whisk helps mix the marinade well. Lastly, plastic wrap or a lid keeps the chicken covered while it marinates. With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to create a delicious dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, I pour olive oil into a big mixing bowl. Next, I add minced garlic, the juice, and zest of two lemons. This gives the marinade a bright flavor. Then, I sprinkle in dried oregano and thyme. I season it with salt and pepper to taste. I whisk everything until it blends well. This marinade is key to making the chicken juicy and tasty. Now, I take the chicken breasts and coat them well in the marinade. I make sure every piece is covered. This step is important for flavor. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. I let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For stronger flavor, I can let it sit for up to 2 hours. While the chicken marinates, I preheat my grill or skillet to medium-high heat. After it’s hot, I remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. I place the chicken on the grill or skillet. I cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes. I check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. This keeps the chicken juicy and safe to eat. In the last few minutes of cooking, I sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced kalamata olives on top. I let these toppings warm and the feta soften. This adds extra flavor and color to the dish. Once the chicken is cooked, I take it off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices stay inside the chicken. After that, I slice the chicken into thick pieces. I serve it on a platter, drizzled with the leftover marinade. To finish, I garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch. - Letting the chicken rest in the marinade is key. This time lets the flavors soak in. Aim for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, go up to 2 hours. - Always refrigerate the marinated chicken. This keeps the meat safe and fresh. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent spills. - To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. - To avoid dryness, do not overcook the chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Also, letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy. - For serving, arrange the chicken slices on a bright dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives. This makes the plate pop with color. - Add extras like lemon wedges or more feta cheese on the side. This not only looks good but also gives guests a chance to customize their meal. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours enhances the flavors significantly, making the dish even more delicious. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results. Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs instead of dried can elevate the dish's flavor profile, adding brightness and freshness. Presentation Matters: Arrange the chicken slices artfully on the plate, garnished with vibrant cherry tomatoes and olives for an eye-catching and appetizing presentation. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp or fish. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Use firm fish like salmon or cod for a tasty change. Marinate them just like chicken. For a vegetarian option, try grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant work well. They soak up the marinade's flavors and grill nicely. Adding spices can change the flavor of this dish. Paprika gives a smoky touch, while red pepper flakes add heat. You can also play with herbs. Try fresh basil or dill for a twist. Mixing herbs keeps the meal exciting and fresh. Pair this dish with sides like Greek salad or rice. The salad adds crunch and freshness. Rice soaks up the juices and makes it filling. You can also serve it as a wrap. Use pita bread or tortillas for a fun twist. Fill them with chicken and toppings for a tasty meal on the go. After enjoying your Greek Lemon Feta Chicken, store leftovers right away. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The chicken will stay good for about three to four days in the fridge. To freeze Greek Lemon Feta Chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps keep the chicken flavorful and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, the goal is to keep the chicken juicy. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the chicken with foil. This keeps moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender. You can pair this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives - Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Lemon rice or couscous for a light touch - Pita bread to soak up the juices - Tzatziki sauce for a cool, creamy dip These sides will enhance the flavors of the chicken and create a balanced meal. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken the night before. It will soak up more flavor. - Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Warm it gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Doing this saves time on busy days. To keep your chicken juicy, follow these steps: - Always marinate the chicken. This adds flavor and moisture. - Cook the chicken on medium-high heat. Avoid high heat, as it dries out the meat. - Use a meat thermometer. When it reaches 165°F (75°C), it's perfectly cooked. - Let the chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to settle. These steps will help you serve moist chicken every time. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. None of the ingredients contain gluten. If you want to ensure no cross-contamination, check your feta and olives. Some brands may add gluten. Feel free to enjoy this dish without worry! You now have a delicious recipe for Greek Lemon Feta Chicken. We covered the key ingredients, including the chicken, herbs, and feta. I explained how to marinate and cook the chicken for great flavor. You learned tips to store your leftovers and even variations to switch it up. Try this dish to impress your family or friends. It’s easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy every bite!$

Greek Lemon Feta Chicken Delight

A zesty and flavorful 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 extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium lemons, juice and zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
to garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Next, incorporate the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, followed by the dried oregano and thyme. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Carefully add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure each breast is generously coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours if you desire a more intense flavor.
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or a large skillet to medium-high heat. Once heated, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill or in the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 6–7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
During the last few minutes of the cooking process, evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced kalamata olives over the cooking chicken. Allow these toppings to warm slightly and the feta to soften.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness. Slice the chicken into thick pieces.
Serve the sliced chicken on a platter, drizzled with the remaining marinade from the bowl, and generously topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Keyword chicken, feta, grilled, lemon, Mediterranean