Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe
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, tangy feta and vinaigrette mixture. Baked to perfection at 400°F, the chicken becomes tender while the feta topping crisps up beautifully. Finished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this recipe is perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight 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
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
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 & Serving
- 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 ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs bone-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and season generously with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavor.
- Make Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese with the zesty vinaigrette made from lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create a creamy, tangy topping.
- Top Chicken: Spoon the feta and vinaigrette mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor and a crispy baked topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the feta topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs help retain moisture and improve flavor.
- Using sheep’s milk feta adds extra creaminess to the topping.
- The zesty vinaigrette can be adjusted to taste; add a touch of honey if you prefer a slightly sweet flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Keywords: baked chicken, feta cheese, zesty vinaigrette, Mediterranean chicken recipe, crispy feta chicken