Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta

4.8
(13)

I'm showing you my favorite marinade and grilling technique for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which can be a challenge, since they're often so dry and bland, but not with this method. Plus, I'm showing you how to make my new favorite thing to eat, which is whipped feta. Serve with grilled red onion and red bell pepper if you like, and garnish with Greek olives.

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Chef John's Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta on a plate with olives, grilled red onion, and pita in the background
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Marinate Time:
2 hrs
Rest Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 35 mins
Servings:
4

Just because I almost never grill boneless, skinless chicken breasts doesn't mean I shouldn't still want to teach those who do the best way to do it, which is why I'm posting this video for grilled Greek chicken breasts with whipped feta. That's the official reason. The real, actual reason is that I was looking for an excuse to consume large quantities of whipped feta, also known as my new favorite thing to eat.

In fact, even if you never make the chicken part of this recipe, which you should, since it's really, really good, but even if you don't, please promise me you'll make a nice big batch of whipped feta to serve on, or with… everything. And I mean that literally. This simple spread/dip/condiment would be fantastic with anything off of the grill this summer, since cool and tangy always pairs perfectly with hot and smoky.

As far as the Greek-style marinade goes, I think this is the perfect formula for the almost always boring boneless, skinless breasts. We're basically soaking the chicken in a salad dressing, and unless you horribly overcook the meat, the results are going to be consistently excellent. When it comes to grilling chicken, I'm a thigh guy, but I'd eat this any time, anywhere. By the way, this marinade will work with any chicken parts you want. But no matter what you use, I really hope you give this a try soon.

Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta
Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta. Chef John
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 drizzle olive oil, or as needed

  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

For the Whipped Feta:

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt

  • 8 ounces feta cheese

  • 1 teaspoon finely crushed garlic, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Various bowls and plates filled with ingredients to make grilled Greek chicken breasts with whipped feta.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  2. Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise.

    Raw chicken breasts on a wood cutting board.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  3. Combine red wine vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and garlic powder in a bowl. Add chicken and toss until thoroughly and evenly coated. Pour in ¼ cup olive oil and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 12 hours, but 2 to 3 hours is ideal.

    Seasoned chicken breasts in a white bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  4. Place Greek yogurt in another bowl and crumble in feta cheese. Add garlic, mint, and lemon zest and whip with an electric hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy. Taste and adjust as needed. Refrigerate until needed.

    Whipped yogurt and feta in a white bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  5. Preheat a charcoal grill until coals are white and very hot.

    Hot coals sitting on a grill.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  6. Grill chicken over the hot coals for about 4 minutes per side; continue to flip and grill chicken until no longer pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of each piece reads at least 150 degrees F (65 degrees C). Remove from the grill and let rest for about 5 minutes.

    Chicken breasts cooking on a charcoal grill.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  7. Spread whipped feta onto a serving platter or plate and place chicken over top.

    Grilled chicken on top of whipped feta served on a platter.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  8. Sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley and mint and serve.

    Grilled Greek chicken breasts with whipped feta served on the platter.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

Chef's Note

Any vinegar or other dried herbs and spices will work here. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried, if preferred.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

606 Calories
35g Fat
7g Carbs
64g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 606
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g 45%
Saturated Fat 14g 69%
Cholesterol 194mg 65%
Sodium 1775mg 77%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Protein 64g 128%
Potassium 666mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.