Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
