Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This baked chicken with crispy feta and zesty vinaigrette is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. The tangy feta topping crisps up beautifully while the lemony vinaigrette adds brightness, making each bite a delightful experience.

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 prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs bone-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Combine the crumbled feta cheese and zesty vinaigrette in a small bowl; mix until well blended.
4. Step 4: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the feta topping is golden brown.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Try swapping fresh basil for parsley to change the flavor profile.
• Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point and slightly different flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the feta mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the feta topping crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but bone-in helps keep the meat juicier during baking. If using boneless, reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness.

Is there a way to make the feta topping less salty?

To reduce saltiness, rinse the feta under cold water before crumbling and pat dry. Using a milder feta or sheep’s milk feta can also help balance the saltiness.

Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

This baked chicken recipe features juicy bone-in chicken thighs topped with a creamy and crispy feta cheese mixture blended with a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. Baked to perfection at 400°F, the feta topping caramelizes beautifully, creating a deliciously tangy and savory crust. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this dish offers a bright and flavorful twist on classic baked chicken, perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner.

• Author: Lila
• 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)

Feta Topping

• 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled, preferably 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 prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs bone-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the pieces and season them evenly with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the chicken is well-flavored.
3. Make Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with the zesty vinaigrette made from lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create a tangy, creamy topping.
4. Top Chicken: Spoon the feta-vinaigrette mixture evenly over the surface of each chicken thigh, ensuring each piece is generously covered to enhance flavor and texture.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the feta cheese topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish the baked chicken with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, adding a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken thighs to retain moisture and achieve tender meat.
• For a richer flavor, use sheep’s milk feta cheese which is creamier than other varieties.
• The zesty vinaigrette can be prepared by whisking lemon juice and Dijon mustard together, optionally adding a teaspoon of olive oil for extra richness.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add freshness and color but can be adjusted according to your preference.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: baked chicken, feta cheese, zesty vinaigrette, Mediterranean chicken, oven-baked chicken thighs, crispy feta topping