Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley: A Simple and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

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You’ve had those days — the kind when you’re busy with work, family, or life in general, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But what if you could make a meal that’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and nutrients? Enter Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley.

This dish is a perfect balance of fresh citrus, savory herbs, and creamy feta, making it both satisfying and healthy. With a marinade that takes just a few minutes to put together and a quick cooking time, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. This recipe is perfect for any night of the week, and the best part is, it doesn’t take long to prepare, yet it feels like a restaurant-quality dish. You’re about to discover why this lemon herb chicken will soon be your go-to weeknight meal.

Why This Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite Dinner

Quick & Easy

Sometimes, you need a dinner that fits into your busy schedule, but you don’t want to sacrifice flavor for speed. This Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley strikes the perfect balance. It takes just 10 minutes to prep, and the actual cooking time is under 10 minutes, leaving you with more time to unwind or focus on other things.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream

Healthy & Flavorful

If you’re looking for a meal that’s light but satisfying, this is it. Chicken breasts are lean, high in protein, and low in fat. The marinade is a refreshing combination of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, providing a burst of flavor without relying on heavy sauces or unhealthy fats. The addition of feta cheese at the end brings just the right amount of creamy richness, making each bite a little indulgence without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Versatile

While this recipe is already fantastic on its own, it pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Whether you choose a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of couscous, the chicken can easily be adapted to your favorite sides or what you have on hand. And if you have leftovers, you can use them in wraps, salads, or even sandwiches the next day.

Refreshing & Zesty

The lemon in the marinade provides a tangy, refreshing kick that complements the savory herbs and the richness of the feta cheese. It’s a flavor profile that’s light yet satisfying, making it a great choice for those who enjoy citrus-forward dishes or Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley

Before you dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need. These are all easy to find at your local grocery store, and they combine to create a dish full of fresh, bold flavors.

Table: Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley

Ingredient	Quantity
Lemon (zested and juiced)	1
Extra virgin olive oil	¼ cup
Garlic cloves (finely minced)	3 cloves or 1 tsp garlic powder
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Smoked paprika	½ tsp
Sea salt	½ tsp, plus a pinch for garnish
Coarse black pepper	¼ tsp
Thin-sliced chicken breasts	1 pound
Crumbled feta cheese	¼ cup
Fresh chopped parsley	¼ cup
Extra lemon wedges (for serving)	As needed

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

• Lemon: The lemon is the star of the dish, providing both zest (which adds a fragrant, citrusy punch) and juice (for that tangy, refreshing acidity). Using fresh lemon will really elevate the flavor, so don’t opt for bottled lemon juice.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This high-quality olive oil brings healthy fats and a rich, smooth texture to the marinade. It also helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is always the best choice for this recipe. Its natural sweetness and sharp flavor add depth to the marinade. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a fine substitute.
• Oregano & Smoked Paprika: These two herbs combine to give the chicken a Mediterranean flavor. Oregano is earthy and slightly bitter, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
• Feta Cheese: The feta adds a salty, creamy texture that finishes the dish off beautifully. Its tangy flavor complements the brightness of the lemon and the savory herbs.

How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley: Step-by-Step

Cooking this Lemon Herb Chicken Breast couldn’t be simpler. Follow these four easy steps, and you’ll have a flavorful, healthy meal in under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine:

• Lemon zest and juice: Grate the zest of the lemon (being careful not to get the white pith, which is bitter) and squeeze out the juice.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Pour in the olive oil to bring richness to the marinade.
• Garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well combined. This simple marinade will infuse your chicken with vibrant flavors. Set aside about ¼ cup of the marinade for later—this will be used to drizzle over the cooked chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Now that your marinade is ready, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade and toss them to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb even more of those bold flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking.

• Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside. The juices should run clear when you cut into it. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer will tell you that the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

After the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top to add a burst of flavor. Then, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve with a couple of extra lemon wedges on the side for those who love a tangy citrus kick.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, will complement the fresh lemon and herbs in the chicken while adding a touch of sweetness and smokiness.

Couscous or Quinoa

Both couscous and quinoa are great choices for adding texture to the meal. The fluffy grains will soak up the lemony marinade and complement the chicken’s savory flavors.

Greek Salad

A light Greek salad made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil would pair perfectly with this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Nutritional Information: Healthy & Satisfying

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor, and this dish proves that point. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional benefits of the Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley:

Table: Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	6g
Total Fats	18g
Saturated Fat	2g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	500mg

• Calories: At just 350 calories per serving, this dish is low in calories but packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied.
• Protein: With 40g of protein per serving, this chicken is an excellent choice for those looking to build or maintain muscle.
• Healthy Fats: The olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart.
• Low Carb: At only 6g of carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for those on a low-carb or keto diet.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

This Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Feta and Parsley has everything you need for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ready to Try It?

Why not make this dish tonight? Gather your ingredients, marinate the chicken, and in less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table. Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out—share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media with your Lemon Herb Chicken creations!

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly juicier and will give you a richer flavor, though you may need to cook them a little longer to reach the appropriate internal temperature.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning. When you’re ready to cook, it will be ready to go, and you’ll have an even more flavorful dish.

Q: What if I don’t have feta cheese?
If you don’t have feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella. Each will add its own twist, but you’ll still get a creamy and tangy topping for your chicken.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped chili peppers to the marinade for a spicy kick.

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