• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Marilena's Kitchen

Mediterranean Cooking With an Accent

  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Classes
    • Private Cooking Classes
    • Personal Chef
    • Culinaria Cooking School Classes
    • Customer & Student Reviews
  • Let’s Work Together
  • Portfolio
  • Travel

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Feta Sauce

January 27, 2017 by Marilena Leavitt 7 Comments

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

This spicy Mediterranean chicken recipe is a twist on the traditional standard which uses the “Holy Trinity” of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic as a base.  This variation adds warm Mediterranean spices to make a flavorful and easy marinade.  Even though this may be best when it gets the char of an outdoor grill, it can also be cooked indoors in a hot grill pan on the stove, making it a year-round staple.

The bold flavor of the chicken needs something cool and creamy to go with, so I often serve it with tzatziki and zucchini fritters.  This time around, however, I served the chicken with a simple tomato and cucumber salad.  I usually wait for the summer months for tomatoes, but I came upon these incredibly sweet, Pearl tomatoes from California at my local Trader Joe’s and I knew I had to try them.

I was experimenting with this creamy Feta cheese and yogurt sauce for an upcoming class at the school.  It immediately became a part of the dish and it went very well with some toasted wedges of the Greek Pita Bread I made earlier in the week.  All in all, this dish was a winning combination of flavors.  I hope that you will agree!

Spices and Aromatics for the marinade:

Spices for Mediterranean Chicken

5.0 from 2 reviews
Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Feta Sauce
 
Save Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
15 mins
Total time
30 mins
 
Delicious grilled chicken with bold Mediterranean flavors
Author: Marilena Leavitt
Recipe type: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: serves 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs. chicken boneless and skinless thighs (about 6 pieces)
  • For the marinade:
  • 1 tsp. dried Greek oregano
  • 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp. hot pepper
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 TBSP. lemon zest
  • 2 TBSP. lemon juice
  • 4 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • For the creamy Feta cheese spread:
  • 2 sm. pepperoncini, stems removed
  • 8 oz. Greek Feta cheese
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp. cider vinegar
  • 2 TBSP. olive oil
  • --- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients of the marinade in a large zip-lock bag.
  2. Trim the chicken and add it to the marinade. Close the bag tightly and use your hands to massage the chicken in the bag to disperse the marinade all over the chicken pieces.
  3. Put it in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least six hours.
  4. To make the creamy Feta cheese spread, combine all ingredients in a small food processor and mix until fairly smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
  5. Heat your grill to medium high. Place chicken pieces on the grill and cook the first side for about 4 to 5 minutes, then turn over and cook on the other side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and the creamy Feta cheese spread, Pearl tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and toasted Greek Pita bread triangles.
Notes
I often get questions about the chicken I use. I like to use Bell & Evans chicken, available at Whole Foods. It is raised on an all-vegetarian diet and without antibiotics and their size is slightly smaller than most, which is a good thing. It is also air-chilled instead of the most commonly used water-chilling method.
3.5.3226

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Filed Under: Greek, Main Tagged With: chicken, creamy feta sauce, easy marinade for chicken, Feta cheese, feta cheese spread, Greek feta, grilled chicken, main course, mediterranean chicken, spicy chicken

Previous Post: « Greek Pita Bread
Next Post: Greek Meatball Soup in Avgolemono (Youvarlakia) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dianne Konz says

    February 22, 2020 at 11:06 PM

    Hi Marilena!
    We just enjoyed this recipe, Spicy Mediterranean Chicken, for a special Saturday night dinner, and it was just delicious! The marinade is very fragrant, and the flavors are magical! I used boneless, skinless thighs which we trimmed of any excess fat. I wasn’t able to let them marinate much more than an hour, but they were wonderful! My husband loved them, too. Thank you for another great recipe!!
    xxxx Ratatouille

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      February 24, 2020 at 10:19 PM

      That is wonderful, Dianne! So happy you liked it, this recipe is one of our favorites – we make this chicken all the time!

      Reply
  2. Kate says

    July 16, 2022 at 3:24 PM

    Is it ok to marinate for an hour if running short on time?

    Reply
    • Marilena says

      July 16, 2022 at 4:46 PM

      The longer you can marinate it, the more flavorful it will be. However, if you only have an hour, go for it! ?

      Reply
  3. Ratatouille says

    July 17, 2022 at 2:11 PM

    I first tried this amazing chicken dish over two years ago, and it quickly earned a spot on ‘regular rotation’ at our house. I prepared it again last evening, and my husband said, “Wonderful chicken! So flavorful!” I just had to write to thank you again, Marilena!

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      July 18, 2022 at 11:57 AM

      So happy to know you like this dish so much that it is now on your “regular rotation”! This means a lot, especially coming from such a talented cook, like you!!!!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Mediterranean Grill: Ground Meat Kebabs on Skewers - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    March 28, 2024 at 6:11 PM

    […] Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Feta Sauce […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Marilenas-Kitchen-Author-Bio
marilenas-kitchen-author-bio

more about me

Search

Marilena Leavitt

INSTAGRAM

Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh b Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh berries 🍓A delightful springtime dessert that is light, seasonal, and elegant at the same time 🌼 Crispy filo layers form the base, with a delicious almond pastry cream custard, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds on top - so delicious! 🍓
.
A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#springdessert #strawberries #tarts #baking @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweettreats #bakingfromscratch #dessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #Easterdessert #bakedwithlove #mothersdaydessert #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versi Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versions of the traditional Greek Easter bread (tsoureki), a bread that everyone makes for Easter in Greece! 🧡 It is a brioche-like, slightly sweet, yeasted bread made using eggs, milk, and butter. 🧡 A delicious breakfast bread, the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea! 🧡☕️ 🫖☕️
.
✨ New recipe on the blog, linked in profile and in stories 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
#breadrolls #bread #Greekbread #Easterbread #tsoureki @kingarthurbaking #braidedbread #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #foodfluffer #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #sweetreats #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen 

.
Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt dressing: seasonal, bright and tender vegetables that pair so well with this delicious, creamy dressing! So, so good! 🥗🥬🥒🌿
.
🌿Recipe linked in bio & on the blog: [Marilenaskitchen.com]👩🏻‍🍳🌿
.
.
.
#springsalad #summersalads #vegetarian #healthyrecipes #salad #homemadefood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #yogurtdressing #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #eathealthy #eattherainbow 
.
.
Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, s Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, shallots, fresh herbs and Feta cheese 🌿🌀 A delicious spring recipe inspired by the classic Greek spanakopita. Wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dish, perfectly crispy and flaky in every bite! 🌿
.
🌿This is a new recipe, in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
🌿 Recipe linked in profile and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] 👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
#savorybaking #filo #filopastry  #appetizer @fillofactory #bakingtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #spinachpower #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #fillofactory #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond f My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond flour and semolina flour. 🍊🍊 A super moist, not too sweet “snack cake”, with a great nutty flavor and a pronounced citrus flavor. So, so good, perfect with a cup of coffee and a great treat to have around the house for anytime of the day! 🍊🍊
.
✨Recipe linked in profile, and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] ✨
.
.
#orangecake #coffeecake @kingarthurflour #bakelove #dessertsofinstagram #snackcake #mediterraneancuisine #bakefromscratch #fromscratch #greekfoodblogger #almondcake #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #droolclub #thecookfeed #thebakefeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #f52food #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautescuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #onthetable #allrecipes #foodphotography
Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a d Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a delicious and healthy recipe, full of good plant-based protein and fiber, a staple in the Mediterranean diet! ✨💯😋
.
✨New recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and with their skin removed
2-3 cloves garlic
¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
pinch of ground cumin
pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp. sea salt
⅓ cup ice-cold water 
.
(Full recipe on my site)
.
.
#hummusrecipe #pitachips #homemadepitachips #savoryfood #easydips #partyfood #gamesnacks  #appetizerideas #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #buzzfeast #homemade #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #snack #foodphotography
Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles fil Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles filled with Feta cheese and a tiny amount of spearmint 💙✨Crispy filo layers and sharp Greek Feta, such a delicious flavor and texture combination! 😋 Nobody can resist this favorite Greek snack! ✨💙🇬🇷
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
~ INGREDIENTS:

• ½ lb. Greek feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ lb. ricotta cheese (full fat) or Greek anthotiro (if you can find it)
•1 large egg, beaten
• ¼-½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• ½ lb. filo dough, thawed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, for brushing on the filo 
.
.
.
#filoappetizers #gamedayfood #tiropitakia #τυροπιτάκια  #greekfood #greekrecipes #filo #tiropitakia #greekgastronomy #filosnacks #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #Greeksnack #greekfoodblogger #foodandwine #thefeedfeed @dodoni_international #mediterraneanlifestyle #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #fetacheese #yummyfood #allrecipes #lovefood #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-r Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-roasted chicken with small red potatoes and lots of fresh lemon and garlic! A super simple and delicious recipe! ✨😋👌
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#roastedchicken #sundaydinners #comfortfood #chickenrecipes #familymeals #buttermilkchicken @ciaosamin #saltfatacidheatcookbook
Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of F Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of Fontina cheese, a delicious dish - not only for breakfast or weekend brunch, but also for those busy weeknight evenings!  So, so good! 😋🌶️🌿🧀 🍠
.
✨Full recipe up on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#frittata #breakfastrecipes #savorybreakfast #brunchtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #myfoodphotography #mediterraneandiet #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delici Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delicious and easy holiday appetizer! A box of good quality filo shells, some smoked salmon, and a simple custard of eggs & cream is all you need to make these flavorful little savory bites! 🥂🎄😋
.
🎄A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory🎄
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], also linked in stories!✨
.
.
.
#appetizerideas #holidayappetizer #brunchideas #filoappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #filodough #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography
A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puf A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puff Pastry Parmesan Cheese Straws with fresh rosemary and sesame seeds! ✨😋 Crispy and flaky, savory and so flavorful, they are the perfect addition to a holiday buffet and any charcuterie board! ✨🧡💯
.
This new recipe is a collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡
.
✨Find the recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#cheesestraws #puffpastryrecipes #appetizerrecipe #vegetarianappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red onion slivers, ready to be wrapped in toasted pita bread! An all-time favorite family meal! 😋🥙 💙🇬🇷
.
✨Recipe linked in profile! 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
.
.
#Greekmeatballs #keftedakia #greekcuisine #comfortfood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed  #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #yummyfood #weeknightmeals #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #saveurmag #appetitejournal #allrecipes #marilenaskitchen
Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a gr Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall baking! 🍂🍎🍁
Crispy, buttery, flaky filo cups make the base for a delicious apple and spice filling. The addition of cheddar cheese adds an unexpected layer of flavor to this easy fall dessert! 🧡🍂🍎
.
🍂A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡🍂
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#fallbaking #apples #bakingwithapples @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweetandsavory #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #cabotcheese #bakedwithlove #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Fe Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Feta cheese, oregano and lots of good extra virgin olive oil - such an irresistible treat! 🧡🍞Super easy to make even for the novice baker, a favorite accompaniment to every Greek meal! 🇬🇷💙😋
.
✨A favorite recipe from my blog, linked in profile! ✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
.
#Greekbread #cheesebread #skilletbread #τυρόψωμο #freshbread #breadbaking #bread #bakingtime #fromscratch #goodmoodfood #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #chefsofinstagram #marilenaskitchen
A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of cardamom-infused plums is a match-made-in-heaven! ✨ A wonderful combination of sweet and slightly tart plums that pair so well with the deep, earthy flavor of freshly ground cardamom! So, so good! 🧡😋 
.
✨ A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
.
#easydessert #fruitart #puffpastry @fillofactory #bakingtime #plums #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Follow on Instagram

PINTEREST

Archives

my foodgawker gallery

Terms of Use

© Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d