Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This baked chicken recipe features juicy, tender thighs topped with a crispy, creamy feta layer and a bright, zesty vinaigrette. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in for moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
• 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled, use sheep’s milk for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup Zesty Vinaigrette (homemade blend of lemon juice and Dijon mustard)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or basil)
• 2 pieces Lemon Wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs bone-side down in the prepared dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and zesty vinaigrette, mixing until well blended.
4. Step 4: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the feta topping turns golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Swap parsley with fresh basil or oregano for a different herb flavor.
• Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point for baking.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the feta mixture for subtle heat.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the feta topping crisp, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. Consider marinating them first or reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking.

How do I make the zesty vinaigrette?

Mix fresh lemon juice with Dijon mustard, a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the proportions to taste for a bright, tangy dressing.

Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.8 from 144 reviews

This Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Delight is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy bone-in chicken thighs topped with a creamy blend of crumbled feta cheese and a tangy vinaigrette. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, it offers a perfect balance of rich, savory, and zesty flavors ideal for a hearty dinner.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in for moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled, use sheep’s milk for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup Zesty Vinaigrette (homemade blend of lemon juice and Dijon mustard)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or basil)
• 2 pieces Lemon Wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs bone-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced flavor.
3. Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese with the zesty vinaigrette, which is a blend of fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
4. Top Chicken: Evenly spoon the feta and vinaigrette mixture over each chicken thigh, ensuring good coverage for maximum flavor and a crispy golden crust when baked.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the feta becomes crispy and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or basil, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh citrusy punch.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
• Homemade zesty vinaigrette can be made by whisking together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: baked chicken, feta cheese, zesty vinaigrette, Mediterranean chicken, crispy feta chicken, oven-baked chicken thighs, lemon chicken, easy dinner recipe