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