Garlicky Greek Chicken Recipe
Savor the Mediterranean flavors with our garlicky Greek chicken recipe. An easy-to-make, aromatic dish that's bursting with garlicky goodness!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for best flavor).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and Kalamata olives. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious Mediterranean goodness!
Notes
- Chicken Cut: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe, you can opt for chicken thighs if you prefer. Thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Marinating Time: Marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor. The minimum recommended marinating time is 30 minutes, but for the best results, marinate for up to 24 hours. The longer marination time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: You can use either fresh or dried herbs in this recipe. If using fresh herbs, remember that they are more potent than dried ones. Typically, you'll need about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
- Searing Chicken: When searing the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice golden sear on the outside. This not only adds flavor but also helps lock in juices.
- Simmering the Sauce: After removing the chicken, don't rush when simmering the sauce with chicken broth and olives. This step allows the flavors to meld and intensify. You want the sauce to become slightly thicker and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestions: While the Garlicky Greek Chicken is delicious on its own, consider pairing it with traditional Greek sides like Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf. These sides complement the flavors and create a well-rounded Mediterranean meal.
- Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers. Store any extra chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste. You can adjust the amount of garlic, lemon, or herbs according to your preference. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: When zesting the lemon, use a microplane or fine grater to get the zest without the bitter white pith. Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and fragrance to the dish.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.