Delicious Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe You’ll Love
Are you looking for a dish that will transport your taste buds on an adventure they’ll never forget? Look no further than my Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe. This dish is the perfect combination of bold and savory flavors that will leave you dreaming of warm summer nights spent by the water.
With ingredients like fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and old bay seasoning, this recipe is a surefire way to impress guests at your next party or elevate your weeknight dinner routine. And with its easy-to-follow steps, even novice chefs can whip up this masterpiece in no time.
But what sets my Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe apart from the rest? It’s the addition of lump crab meat, which takes this already delicious chicken to new heights. So what are you waiting for? Gather up the ingredients and get ready to experience a culinary adventure like no other with my Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a mouth-watering chicken recipe that will leave your guests begging for more? Look no further, as the Chesapeake Greek Chicken is here to impress! This flavor-packed recipe will undoubtedly become your new go-to for family dinners and summer barbecues.
The combination of tender, boneless chicken breasts infused with zesty herbs such as oregano and garlic, and fresh lemon juice create the perfect Mediterranean flavor profile. But what sets this recipe apart is the added twist of Chesapeake Bay seasoning and lump crab meat, which infuses the dish with a distinct Maryland flavor.
Not only is this dish a culinary masterpiece, but it’s also easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform plain chicken into a rich and savory feast that’s guaranteed to wow your taste buds. And if you’re worried about time constraints, this recipe is perfect for meal-prep, leaving you with more time to enjoy your company.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive meal to serve at a dinner party, The Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe provides versatility that will keep your crowd coming back for seconds. So why wait? Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this delicious and unique recipe created to satisfy all cravings!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chesapeake Greek Chicken:
For the marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup lump crab meat
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon, fried and crumbled
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get down to business! You’re going to love how simple and easy this recipe is. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Chesapeake Greek Chicken.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken breasts, bone-in or boneless
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. If you have bone-in chicken, remove the skin and trim any excess fat. For boneless chicken, simply trim the fat as needed.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and oregano. This is going to be the main flavor base for the chicken.
Step 3: Marinade the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken until they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Note: The longer you marinate your chicken, the more flavorful it will be!
Step 4: Grill or Bake
Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). If grilling outside, set up your grill for indirect heat.
Remove your chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Place your chicken on the grill or baking sheet and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of each breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
If using lump crab meat as an optional add-on topping, sprinkle it over each breast halfway through cooking.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done cooking, transfer your chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for at least five minutes before serving. This will help keep all those delicious juices locked in!
Before serving Chesapeake Greek Chicken, sprinkle some chopped parsley over top for garnish.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One thing I love about cooking is how versatile recipes can be. The Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe is no exception. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations that you can try to make this dish even more exciting:
– Crab meat: If you don’t have access to lump crab meat, you can substitute it with imitation crab meat, canned crab meat, or even cooked shrimp. Just be mindful of the texture as some varieties of crab meat may be more fibrous than others.
– Bacon: You can use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon if that’s what you have on hand. You can also try using turkey bacon for a healthier option.
– Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, you can substitute them with chicken thighs or even drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
– Oregano: If you don’t have oregano on hand, you can use other herbs such as basil, thyme or rosemary in its place.
– Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe as it adds a bright, tangy flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work too.
– Feta cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese or don’t have any on hand, try substituting it with goat cheese or grated parmesan instead.
– Eastern Shore Creamy Crab Dip: This dip is a must-try! Simply mix 1 cup sour cream with 1 ½ cups Phillips Crab Imperial and 2 tsp of Old Bay Seasoning.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to substitutions and variations. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Time to serve up this Chesapeake Greek Chicken recipe! You’re in for a treat with this one. This dish is quite versatile and can be served in multiple ways. You can enjoy it as it is or serve it with sides that complement its flavors.
For a casual meal, consider pairing the chicken with roasted potatoes and a simple Greek salad on the side. The lemony flavor of the chicken will pair well with the tangy dressing on the salad, while the roasted potatoes will provide a satisfying crunch that goes well with the tender chicken.
If you’re serving the Chesapeake Greek Chicken recipe for a fancier dinner party or occasion, top it off with creamy crab imperial and serve it alongside sweet potatoes on the side. The flaky and moist crab meat goes perfectly with the blend of spices used to flavor the chicken. Additionally, the sweetness of the potatoes will create an excellent balance for your taste buds.
This chicken dish works well in sandwiches too! Toast some bread and slather sour cream over it then add slices of chicken breast cooked Chesanpeake-style. You can also try adding some thick-cut bacon to your sandwich to give your guests an extra depth of flavor.
To wrap it up, don’t forget to sprinkle some feta cheese on top of your chicken. It adds that final touch of saltiness to bring out all those amazing flavors we’ve been working so hard to achieve. Your guests would appreciate you more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe is that it’s easy to make ahead of time and store for later. If you’re planning on serving this dish at a party or a special dinner, you can easily prepare the chicken breasts with Chesapeake seasoning and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before cooking.
When reheating the chicken, use an oven or a microwave oven. If you choose to use an oven, preheat it to 375°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If using a microwave oven, wrap the chicken in a damp paper towel or plastic wrap and place it on a microwaveable plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, check its internal temperature and add extra time if needed.
When storing leftovers, be sure to transfer the chicken from the baking sheet to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. When reheating from frozen, thaw first in the refrigerator overnight before using one of the above methods.
The leftover chicken pairs well with rice or salad, as well as sandwiches or fajitas. For sandwiches or fajitas, just slice the leftover chicken breasts into strips and reheat them by sautéing them with vegetables such as onions and bell peppers over medium heat. These will make excellent lunch staples throughout your week!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the perfect and most flavorful Chesapeake Greek Chicken, you need to pay attention to every detail. Here are some tips that will help you cook it like a pro.
First of all, make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly, resulting in tender and juicy chicken breasts. Take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to start cooking.
To maximize flavor, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano in a bowl and let your chicken marinate in it for at least 1 hour before cooking. This step allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
When cooking the chicken on stove top, preheat your pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you place your chicken breasts in the pan. This will help create a nice golden sear on both sides while locking in the juices.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat keeping it moist and flavorful.
If you’re grilling or baking your chicken, always preheat your grill or oven too. For best results with baking, use a sheet pan with a baking rack so that air can circulate all around your chicken breasts.
Additionally, don’t waste those valuable juices pooled at the bottom of the baking sheet! Use them as a sauce on top of each sliced piece of chicken to add even more amazing flavor.
Finally, garnish each serving with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious Chesapeake Greek Chicken every time!
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a meal that is packed with flavor and easy to make, this Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. With the perfect blend of bold spices and juicy chicken breasts, it’s sure to please anyone at your table. Whether you’re having a casual dinner with family or friends, or hosting a big event, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
As someone who loves cooking and entertaining, I can honestly say that this recipe is one of my favorites. The combination of tender chicken, delicious lump crab meat, and tangy lemon juice makes for a mouth-watering dish that everyone will enjoy. And with all the different ways you can serve it – from grilled chicken sandwiches to roasted potatoes – there’s no limit to the possibilities.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s quick and easy to make, and the results are always impressive. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create an unforgettable meal that will have everyone talking about it for days. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do – happy cooking!
Chesapeake Greek Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -6 chicken breasts (bone-in or boneless- your choice)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 tablespoon oregano, crushed (Greek Oregano preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, and Old Bay together until well blended. Place Chicken is a ziptop bag and pour marinade over it. Place in the fridge for at least 3 hours (overnight is best!). Before baking, salt and pepper the meat to taste. Grill Chicken until internal temp is 160 degrees F.
- Great to serve over a Greek Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, feta cheese and olives with Greek Dressing).
- Kali Orexi! Good Appetite!
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!