Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table with "Greek Lightning," a quick and flavorful chicken dish that’s bursting with zesty goodness. Perfectly marinated with olive oil, fresh garlic, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic oregano, these seared chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and ready in just 30 minutes! Finished with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, this recipe delivers bold, authentic Greek flavors in every bite. Ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp Greek salad, or warm pita bread. Simple to prepare yet packed with irresistible Mediterranean charm, "Greek Lightning" is a must-try for fans of easy, healthy chicken dinners.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if they are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the marinade mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the pan.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
Place the chicken breasts into the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices.
Optional step: If you're using red pepper flakes, sprinkle them over the chicken while it rests for additional heat.
Serve the chicken garnished with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a full meal.
Calories |
1732 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.2 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.1 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 645 mg | 215% | |
| Sodium | 3867 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 227.8 g | 456% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 348 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1967 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.