Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta and Vinaigrette
This dish combines tender, oven-baked chicken with a savory crispy feta topping. A drizzle of tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, making it perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner served with salad, roasted vegetables, or grains.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Crispy Feta Topping
¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried thyme
For the Vinaigrette
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Rub the mixture over chicken breasts and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
2. Make the Crispy Feta Topping
In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, panko, Parmesan (if using), olive oil, and thyme.
Sprinkle evenly over the chicken pieces, pressing lightly so it sticks.
3. Bake the Chicken
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes (internal temp 165°F / 74°C), until chicken is cooked and topping is golden brown and crisp.
4. Make the Vinaigrette
While chicken bakes, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
5. Serve
Drizzle vinaigrette over baked chicken or serve it on the side.
Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano.
Notes & Tips
Cheese variation: Try using goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes to the feta topping.
Meal pairing: Serve with a simple Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or lemon rice.
Meal prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in oven to keep topping crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes – increase bake time by 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and topping, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: How do I keep feta crispy?
Mix with panko and olive oil to create crunch – without it, feta alone stays soft.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390
Protein: 39 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g