Description
Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta (plant-based) is a vibrant, zesty dish featuring juicy skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs roasted to golden perfection, paired with creamy plant-based feta and fresh herbs. Bursting with bright citrus notes from fresh lemon and enriched with earthy oregano, this easy-to-make meal balances bold flavors and simple preparation. Ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings, it delivers a nourishing and satisfying experience packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup crumbled plant-based feta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse the chicken with layers of bright, herbal flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for best results.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to create the perfect environment for roasting chicken until crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
- Roast the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Pour any extra marinade over the chicken to lock in moisture. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the juices run clear.
- Add Plant-Based Feta and Fresh Herbs: Five minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, sprinkle crumbled plant-based feta on top and return to the oven. Finish with freshly chopped parsley after removing the pan to add fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken for beautifully crisp skin and juicy meat.
- Marinate longer, up to overnight, for deeper flavor infusion.
- Do not skip lemon zest as it significantly brightens the flavor.
- Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to seal in juices.
- Taste the marinade before adding salt; plant-based feta adds tang and saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with toppings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, plant-based feta, roasted chicken, gluten free, Mediterranean, easy dinner, weeknight meal