Dinner

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

Name: Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 lemons (juiced and zested); 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is bright, tangy, and simple to make. The chicken bakes in a lemony garlic marinade until juicy, then gets a salty, creamy crown of crumbled feta. It smells fresh and citrusy, tastes savory with a clean lemon lift, and looks beautiful with white feta and green parsley. For a different lemony chicken idea, try this crispy lemon chicken bites and spaghetti recipe for another quick weeknight option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 500 kcal
Protein: 48 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fat: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 700 mg

Why Make This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

This recipe is fast and full of bright Greek flavors. The lemon and garlic wake up the chicken. Feta adds a salty, creamy finish that melts slightly while baking. The dish is simple enough for a weeknight but pretty enough for guests. It uses pantry staples and requires only one baking dish, which means less cleanup.

How to Make Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

This method keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with lemon and oregano. You marinate quickly, spread everything in a baking dish, and bake. The feta becomes slightly golden and tangy on top. Follow the clear steps below for best results.

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 lemons (juiced and zested)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If any breasts are very thick, gently pound them to even thickness so they cook evenly. Arrange the breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning—remember the feta adds salt later.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, turning once so each piece gets coated. Scatter the crumbled feta evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and there is no pink in the center.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra lemon wedge if you like. Serve warm.

How to Serve Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

Serve this chicken over fluffy rice, orzo, or couscous to catch the lemony juices. It also pairs well with roasted potatoes or a crisp Greek salad. For a lighter plate, serve on a bed of sautéed spinach or steamed green beans. Add warm pita and a spoonful of tzatziki for a full Greek-style meal.

How to Store Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. To avoid drying, add a splash of water or chicken stock before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta

Even thickness: Pound thicker breasts to uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
Marinating time: Even a short 10-minute soak helps flavors stick, but you can refrigerate in the marinade for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Salt carefully: Feta is salty. Add a small amount of salt to the marinade and adjust after baking if needed.
Crisp edges: For a lightly browned top, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
Fresh lemon: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh aroma.

Delicious Variations

Olive and tomato: Add sliced Kalamata olives and halved cherry tomatoes on top before baking for extra color and tang.
Yogurt marinade: Replace half the olive oil with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade and tangy finish.
Skillet version: Sear chicken in a hot skillet for 3 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for 15–20 minutes.
Use thighs: Swap breasts for boneless skinless thighs for more fat and richer flavor; adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.
Herb boost: Add chopped fresh dill or mint with the parsley for a fresher herb note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead, then bake when ready. You can also fully cook it, refrigerate, and reheat within 3–4 days.
Is feta necessary? What can I substitute?
Feta gives a salty, tangy finish, but you can substitute with goat cheese for creamy tang or grated Parmesan for nuttier saltiness. Note that salt levels will change.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear and the center should not be pink.
Can I reduce the sodium?
Yes. Use low-sodium feta or rinse the feta briefly to remove some salt. Cut added salt in the marinade and taste before adding more.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes. Use a larger baking dish or two pans to avoid overcrowding. Cooking time may change slightly; check internal temperature to ensure doneness.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
Serve with rice pilaf, orzo, roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or warm pita and tzatziki for a full meal.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is an easy, bright dish that delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for a weeknight supper or a casual dinner with friends. If you want another take on lemony Greek-style chicken, see this helpful recipe for Greek Lemon Chicken with Feta Cheese for more ideas and inspiration. Enjoy the fresh flavors and happy cooking!