Description
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta (plant-based) is a vibrant and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and herb sauce, then cooked to juicy perfection and topped with creamy plant-based feta and sweet red onions. This easy-to-make recipe offers bright, tangy, and savory flavors that bring authentic Greek cuisine to your table, making it an ideal family-friendly meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, skin-on
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta, crumbled (plant-based)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Natural gelling agent (optional), for thickening sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly, creating a flavorful marinade that will tenderize and infuse the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat them completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration and extra tender meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear until the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 5 minutes more or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Create the pan sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent dissolved in water until the sauce reaches the preferred consistency.
- Assemble and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chicken generously with crumbled plant-based feta (plant-based) and thinly sliced red onions. The warmth of the chicken will slightly melt the feta, adding a luscious creamy texture to the dish. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer, up to 4 hours, for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs to keep the meat juicy and achieve crispy skin.
- Prepare ingredients such as garlic, lemon zest, and plant-based feta ahead of cooking to streamline the process.
- Allow the chicken to brown properly on each side to develop rich color and enhanced flavor.
- Taste the finished dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan searing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with toppings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, plant-based feta, Mediterranean recipe, gluten free, family meal, easy dinner
