Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Feta
These grilled lemon garlic chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and infused with Mediterranean flavors of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs — topped with creamy, tangy crumbled feta cheese. It’s a simple, elegant dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a Greek salad.
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
6 boneless, skinless chicken thigh
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp paprika
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For Serving
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Optional: drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs and toss well to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
3. Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
4. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
1. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously over warm chicken.
2. Add a handful of chopped parsley or dill.
3. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
4. Serve warm with sides of your choice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your lemon garlic chicken with feta with:
Roasted veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus)
Greek salad with olives, tomatoes, and cucumber
Herbed couscous or lemon rice
Pita bread and tzatziki sauce
Notes & Tips
Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier than breasts during grilling.
No grill? Pan-sear in a skillet over medium-high heat, 6–7 minutes per side.
For extra flavor: Add a bit of crumbled feta into the marinade or serve with a dollop of tzatziki.
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes — just pound them to even thickness and reduce cooking time to 5–6 minutes per side.
Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Q: How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1g