Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The lemon adds a refreshing citrus kick while the feta provides a rich, salty contrast. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like rice, vegetables, or salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts or thighs
lemon juice
lemon zest
feta cheese, crumbled
garlic, minced
olive oil
dried oregano
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Place the chicken in the dish and season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil.
Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the feta softens slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
Add cherry tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Add spinach or zucchini to bake alongside the chicken.
Use goat cheese instead of feta for a different taste.
Add chili flakes for a hint of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through or microwave for convenience.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used if needed.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes, grill the chicken and add feta toward the end of cooking.
What can I serve with this?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or salad are great options.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and let it rest after baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance for more flavor.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs.
Can I add herbs?
Yes, thyme, rosemary, or basil work well.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, goat cheese or mozzarella can be used.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Conclusion
Lemon Feta Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together bright citrus and creamy cheese in a perfectly balanced way. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a go-to recipe for a fresh and satisfying meal.
PrintLemon Feta Chicken
A bright and flavorful chicken dish infused with zesty lemon and topped with creamy, tangy feta cheese. This easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe is both light and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Place chicken in the dish and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil.
- Pour mixture over chicken, coating evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes until feta softens.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add cherry tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Swap feta with goat cheese if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Marinate chicken ahead for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
