Description
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta combines tender chicken infused with zesty lemon, fresh aromatic herbs, and creamy plant-based feta for a light, flavorful, and healthy meal. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta, crumbled
- Fresh herb sprigs (oregano, thyme, or parsley) for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped oregano and thyme, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and a small amount of natural gelling agent. Whisk until well incorporated to form a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs or breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken to keep it moist during roasting.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, until cooked through and slightly browned on top. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle crumbled plant-based feta evenly over the chicken. Let the cheese soften and slightly melt for a tangy, creamy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and herbs for the brightest flavor.
- Marinate the chicken well to ensure tenderness and flavor infusion.
- For extra crispiness, use skin-on chicken thighs and roast skin side up.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to allow even roasting and browning.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast with topping
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, plant-based feta, Mediterranean recipe, baked chicken, healthy chicken dish, lemon and herb chicken