Lemon Feta Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Feta Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a bright, tangy topping of lemon, feta, and herbs. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without much effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut or pounded into thin cutlets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, from one lemon)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the chicken cutlets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, and Greek seasoning. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, place 3-4 chicken cutlets in a single layer. Sear for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and repeat with remaining cutlets.
- Step 3: Prepare the lemon feta topping by combining crumbled feta, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and dill. Stir and mash the mixture with a fork until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spread the lemon feta topping over the cutlets, and garnish with extra parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh dill for a brighter flavor, or substitute with oregano if preferred.
- Serve over rice or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.
- For extra zest, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken and feta topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a little olive oil or water if it feels dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and will be juicier. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy flavor if feta is not available.
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Lemon Feta Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Feta Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and Greek seasoning, then seared to perfection and topped with a creamy, flavorful feta cheese mixture. Ideal for a quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal that balances zesty citrus with rich feta and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut or pounded into thin cutlets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Lemon Feta Topping
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (from one lemon)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cutlets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, and Greek seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure each cutlet is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit while preparing the skillet to enhance flavor penetration.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, arrange 3-4 chicken cutlets in a single layer without overlapping. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes undisturbed to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining cutlets.
- Prepare the Lemon Feta Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and dried dill. Use a fork to mash and mix these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined into a spreadable topping. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as desired.
- Assemble and Serve: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet or serving plate. Spoon the lemon feta topping evenly over each piece of chicken. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For tender chicken, pound cutlets to an even thickness before marinating.
- Use fresh dill if available for a brighter herb flavor; dried dill is a good substitute.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest quantities to your preferred level of citrus brightness.
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal balanced.
- Leftover lemon feta topping can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a spread or dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon feta chicken, Greek chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken, skillet chicken, feta cheese recipe
