Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This baked chicken recipe combines juicy, bone-in thighs with a crispy feta topping and a tangy, zesty vinaigrette. It’s an easy dish that delivers rich flavors and a delightful texture perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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 baking 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, or until the chicken is cooked through and the feta is golden brown.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crispy topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Swap fresh herbs with oregano or thyme for different flavor profiles.
• Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point and milder flavor when roasting.
• Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the feta mixture for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain the feta topping’s texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless thighs can be used, but bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier during baking, adding more flavor and moisture.

What can I substitute for the zesty vinaigrette?

If you don’t have homemade vinaigrette, a simple mix of lemon juice and Dijon mustard works well. You can also use store-bought vinaigrette or add a splash of white wine vinegar with a pinch of honey.

Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe

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Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Zesty Vinaigrette Delight is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring juicy bone-in chicken thighs topped with a tangy mixture of crumbled feta cheese and a homemade lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. Baked until golden and crisp, this dish is accented with fresh herbs and vibrant lemon wedges for a refreshing finish.

• Author: Mia
• 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: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken

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

Feta 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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
2. Arrange Chicken: Place the bone-in chicken thighs in the baking dish skin-side down. Drizzle with olive oil and season each piece generously with salt and black pepper for flavor.
3. Make Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese with the zesty vinaigrette made from lemon juice and Dijon mustard until fully combined and creamy.
4. Top Chicken: Evenly spoon the feta and vinaigrette mixture over the top of each chicken thigh, ensuring good coverage for a crispy and flavorful crust.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the feta topping should be golden and slightly crisp.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs over the chicken, and serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh, zesty burst when squeezed.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for juiciness and better flavor retention during baking.
• If using avocado oil instead of olive oil, it offers a higher smoke point suitable for higher heat.
• The zesty vinaigrette is a simple mix of fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard; adjust the ratio to your taste preference.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness and enhance the flavor of the finished dish.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.

Keywords: Baked chicken, feta cheese chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, easy baked chicken thighs, lemon Dijon vinaigrette, crispy feta topping