Name: Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 47 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 chicken; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ tsp oregano; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp fresh ground black pepper; 1 tbsp butter; 1½ oz feta cheese

This delightful Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese recipe brings together the juiciness of chicken with the tangy flavors of lemon and feta cheese. The combination of unique ingredients creates a wonderfully flavorful dish that is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Photos of Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe such as chicken, lemon, and olive oil might already be in your pantry, you may need to make a trip to the supermarket for feta cheese. This tangy Greek cheese is the star of the dish, adding a unique flavor that pairs well with lemon and chicken. Make sure to buy a good quality feta for the best results.

Ingredients for the Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

Chicken: It's the main ingredient, providing you with a great source of lean protein. Choose a whole chicken for this recipe.

Olive oil: Acts as the perfect healthy cooking oil due to its high monounsaturated fat content.

Oregano: Brings an aromatic flavor and is a staple herb in Greek cuisine.

Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the saltiness of the feta cheese.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the dish.

Black pepper: Gives a slight heat to the dish.

Butter: Adds a creamy, rich flavor to the dish and helps in roasting the chicken.

Feta cheese: This Greek cheese brings a unique tangy and salty flavor to the dish.

One reader, Gaile Metzger says:

The roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the feta cheese adds a delightful tanginess. The dish is easy to prepare and impresses every time. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, comforting meal.

Gaile Metzger

Techniques for Roasting Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

How to roast the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Coat the chicken with olive oil and arrange the pieces, skin-side up, in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle the chicken with oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Top each piece of chicken with a piece of butter.

How to check for doneness: Cook the chicken until the breasts are just done, about 30 minutes. Remove the breasts and continue to cook the legs until done, about 5 minutes longer. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF.

How to add feta cheese: After removing the roasting pan from the oven and returning the breasts to the pan, top the chicken pieces with crumbled feta cheese. Press any cheese that rolls off into the pan back onto the chicken.

How to broil the chicken: Heat the broiler. Broil the chicken until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

How to serve: Serve the roasted chicken with the pan juices. To balance the tanginess of lemon and feta, consider serving it with a mild side dish such as orzo tossed with a little olive oil or sautéed zucchini.

How to pair with wine: This Greek-flavored dish pairs nicely with rustic, spicy red wines. Consider a bottle from the Greek island of Paros or Santorini, or a Syrah-based wine such as a Crozes-Hermitage from the northern Rhône Valley in France.

How To Make Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

Enjoy a medley of Mediterranean flavors in every bite with this juicy roasted chicken, served with savory feta, tangy lemon, and earthy herbs!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 37 minutes

Total: 47 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1chicken,(3 to ½ lbs)
1tbspolive oil
1½tspdried oregano
1tbsplemon juice
¼tspsalt
⅛tspfresh ground black pepper
1tbspbutter
1½ozfeta cheese

Instructions

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Coat the chicken with the oil; arrange the pieces, skin-side up, in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle the chicken with the oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Top each piece of chicken with a piece of the butter.
Cook the chicken for about 30 minutes until the breasts are just done. Remove the breasts and continue to cook the legs for about 5 minutes longer until done.
Remove the roasting pan from the oven, then return the breasts to the pan.
Top the chicken pieces with the feta cheese. Press any cheese that rolls off into the pan back onto the chicken. Baste the chicken with the pan juices.
Heat the broiler. Broil the chicken for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve with the pan juices, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 730.41kcal
Fat: 53.72g
Saturated Fat: 16.82g
Trans Fat: 0.41g
Monounsaturated Fat: 22.42g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.22g
Carbohydrates: 1.02g
Fiber: 0.19g
Sugar: 0.55g
Protein: 57.40g
Cholesterol: 242.09mg
Sodium: 453.44mg
Calcium: 93.01mg
Potassium: 584.36mg
Iron: 2.94mg
Vitamin A: 160.91µg
Vitamin C: 6.28mg

Crucial Technique for Perfect Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta

To ensure your chicken is cooked evenly and perfectly, consider butterflying it before roasting. This method involves removing the backbone and flattening the chicken, which allows it to cook more quickly and evenly. It also exposes more skin, which crisps up nicely when roasted. Additionally, when adding the feta cheese, crumble it finely to ensure it melts evenly and infuses the chicken with its rich, tangy flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Roasted Chicken Recipe

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in a resealable bag the night before to allow the flavors to meld, saving time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-crumbled feta: Opt for pre-crumbled feta cheese to save time on crumbling and measuring, making the cooking process more efficient.

One-pan cooking: Consider using a cast-iron skillet for both roasting and broiling the chicken, reducing the number of dishes to clean up afterward.

Multitask: While the chicken is roasting, use the time to prepare the side dish or salad to accompany the meal, maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.

Invest in a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, eliminating the guesswork and saving time in the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese Recipe

chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey is a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken, and it can be roasted in a similar manner. It also pairs well with lemon and feta cheese, providing a delicious twist to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe. It also adds a creamy texture to the dish.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a slightly earthy and floral flavor that complements the lemon and feta cheese, providing a fresh and aromatic element to the roasted turkey.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a tangy and acidic flavor similar to lemon juice, which can brighten the dish and enhance the overall taste.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity as regular salt but also adds a subtle briny flavor that complements the feta cheese and enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder and less pungent flavor compared to black pepper, allowing the other ingredients, such as the feta cheese and lemon, to shine through without overpowering the dish.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, a clarified butter, offers a rich and nutty flavor that can enhance the roasted turkey while providing a similar level of richness and moisture to the dish.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy texture similar to feta, and it pairs well with lemon, adding a delightful tanginess to the roasted turkey dish.

Presenting Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted chicken, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Arrange the chicken pieces strategically, ensuring they are positioned with precision and care.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce colorful elements to the plate to enhance its visual appeal. Consider adding a pop of color with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to bring vibrancy to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the main components, such as the roasted chicken and feta cheese, to stand out. This will create a visually striking presentation.
Highlight the feta cheese: Showcase the feta cheese as a prominent element on the plate. Crumble the feta over the chicken with finesse, ensuring it is evenly distributed and adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Elevate the presentation by incorporating artistic drizzling of the pan juices around the plate. This not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Emphasize symmetry: Aim for symmetrical plating to create a sense of balance and harmony. Pay attention to the placement of each component to achieve a visually pleasing arrangement.
Garnish with lemon wedges: Enhance the presentation by garnishing the plate with neatly sliced lemon wedges. This not only adds a burst of freshness but also contributes to the overall visual composition of the dish.
Consider the plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the dish and allows the components to shine. The choice of plate can significantly impact the overall presentation of the roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese.

Storing and Freezing Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

Let the roasted chicken cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to soggy skin and potential bacterial growth.
If you plan to consume the leftover chicken within 3-4 days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to separate the meat from the bones for easier storage and quicker cooling.
To freeze the roasted chicken for longer storage, follow these steps:
1. Remove the meat from the bones and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.
2. If using a container, cover the chicken with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the lid to prevent freezer burn.
3. If using a zip-lock bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
5. Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months for best quality.
To thaw the frozen roasted chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Avoid thawing the chicken at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Reheat the thawed chicken in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be sure to add a little moisture, such as chicken broth or water, to prevent the meat from drying out during reheating.
If you have any leftover feta cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Feta cheese can also be frozen for up to 3 months, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for reheating roasted chicken without drying it out or overcooking it
Place the leftover chicken pieces in a baking dish. If you have any leftover pan juices, pour them over the chicken to help keep it moist
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out during the reheating process
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces
While the chicken is reheating, crumble the leftover feta cheese. If you don't have any leftover feta, you can use fresh feta or even substitute with another cheese like goat cheese or parmesan
Once the chicken is heated through, remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the foil cover
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the chicken pieces
Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning
Remove the baking dish from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top of the chicken. This will brighten up the flavors and add a nice tangy kick
If desired, sprinkle some fresh herbs like oregano or parsley over the top of the chicken for added flavor and freshness
Serve the reheated roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese immediately while it's still hot. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad

Interesting Fact About Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

The roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. It offers a unique blend of tangy lemon and savory feta cheese, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. This recipe is a perfect choice for a special dinner or gathering, as it brings a taste of Mediterranean cuisine to the table. The lemon and feta cheese add a refreshing and zesty touch to the roasted chicken, making it a delightful and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Is Making Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cost-Effective?

This roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken, lemon, and feta cheese, are reasonably priced and can be used in various other dishes. The addition of olive oil and oregano enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. With an approximate cost of $15-$20 for a household of 4, this recipe offers a delicious and budget-friendly meal. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is This Roasted Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese recipe is a flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:

The recipe uses butter and olive oil, which are high in saturated and unsaturated fats, respectively. While some healthy fats are essential, excessive amounts can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
Feta cheese is high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems when consumed in excess.
The recipe does not include any vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients, which are crucial for a balanced and healthy meal.

However, the recipe does have some positive aspects:

Chicken is a lean protein source, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Lemon juice provides vitamin C, which supports immune function and aids in iron absorption.
Oregano contains antioxidants and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and oil used, or replace them with healthier alternatives like avocado oil or olive oil spray.
Use a reduced-fat feta cheese or a lower-sodium variety to decrease the overall sodium content.
Incorporate vegetables into the dish, such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Serve the chicken with a side of quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese recipe without compromising on taste. Incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables and whole grains will not only make the dish more visually appealing but also provide a wider range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to add depth and complexity to the flavors. For example, adding garlic, rosemary, or thyme can complement the lemon and feta while providing additional health benefits.

Editor's Opinion on Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese

The roasted chicken with lemon and feta cheese recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of lemon juice and feta cheese adds a tangy and savory element to the dish, complementing the succulent roasted chicken. The cooking method ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful, while the final broiling step adds a beautiful golden brown finish. The suggested menu pairings and wine recommendations show a thoughtful approach to enhancing the overall dining experience. This recipe is a wonderful choice for those seeking a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is both comforting and elegant.

Enhance Your Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Orzo Tossed with Olive Oil: Try adding some roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to elevate the flavors of the orzo dish.

Sautéed Zucchini: Enhance the sautéed zucchini by adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Roasted Asparagus: For a unique twist, sprinkle the roasted asparagus with a mixture of lemon zest and chopped almonds before serving.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Incorporate a hint of cinnamon and a dollop of honey into the mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory combination.

Grilled Eggplant: Elevate the grilled eggplant by layering it with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, then drizzling with a balsamic reduction for a caprese-inspired side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like This Roasted Chicken Dish

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a zesty herb and garlic marinade before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta: Create a creamy and tropical dessert by combining coconut milk and fresh mango puree to make a silky smooth panna cotta.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement This Roasted Chicken Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Indulge in the classic Italian flavors of bruschetta, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on crispy, toasted bread. A refreshing and vibrant starter to awaken the palate.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crispy oat topping. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Why trust this Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese Recipe:

This roasted chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The succulent chicken, enhanced with lemon juice and feta cheese, promises a zesty and savory experience. The use of oregano and butter adds depth to the dish, while the cooking method ensures a tender and juicy outcome. The inclusion of olive oil infuses a rich and aromatic essence. With careful attention to detail and a harmonious combination of ingredients, this recipe guarantees a memorable dining experience.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this delicious Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Feta Cheese recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long does it take to roast the chicken?

The chicken should be roasted for about 30 minutes for the breasts to be just done, and an additional 5 minutes for the legs to be fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Try experimenting with goat cheese or even a mild blue cheese for a different flavor.

What can I serve with the roasted chicken?

You can serve the roasted chicken with a side dish such as orzo tossed with a little olive oil or sautéed zucchini to balance the tanginess of the lemon and feta.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance and reheat it before serving. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What wine would pair well with this dish?

This Greek-flavored dish would pair nicely with a rustic, spicy red wine. Consider a bottle from the Greek island of Paros or Santorini, or a Syrah-based wine such as a Crozes-Hermitage from the northern Rhône Valley in France.