This Mediterranean Chicken with Garlic Lemon & Feta is a bright, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking with simple ingredients and bold citrus notes. Tender chicken is marinated in a tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then cooked until beautifully golden and juicy. A generous topping of creamy feta and fresh parsley finishes the dish, adding rich texture and classic Greek flavor.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual family meals, this recipe is easy to make with accessible ingredients. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, aromatic depth, while the feta cheese brings a salty, tangy contrast that elevates every bite. Serve this Greek chicken with your favorite sides for a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels both fresh and comforting.

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Large skillet or oven-safe pan
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Ingredients

1½–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½–¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until fully coated; let rest for at least 15–30 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil if needed.
Place the marinated chicken in the hot pan and sear each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side.
Once cooked, transfer chicken to a serving platter.
Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the warm chicken.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges for extra bright flavor.

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 15–30 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
Course: Main Dish

How to Store

Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to keep the chicken juicy.
Lemon-feta chicken also works great cold in salads or wraps.

What Not to Do

Don’t skip the marinade — it’s essential for the bright lemon flavor.
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can dry it out.
Don’t add feta too early; add it after cooking to preserve its texture.
Avoid using bottled lemon juice — fresh juice and zest make the flavor pop.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs if you want more moist, flavorful meat.
Add kalamata olives for an extra Mediterranean touch.
Serve over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a simple Greek salad.
Add cherry tomatoes to the pan in the last few minutes for sweetness.
Use fresh oregano if available for more aromatic flavor.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: ~34g
Fat: ~18g
Total Carbohydrates: ~3g
Fiber: ~0g
Sugar: ~1g
Sodium: Moderate
Vitamin C: Good source

Mediterranean Garlic Lemon & Feta Chicken

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Anderson Jorge