Baked Lemon Feta Chicken with Turmeric Rice
Tender chicken baked in a zesty lemon-garlic-oregano marinade, finished with crumbled feta cheese that melts into a creamy tangy topping — all served over fragrant turmeric rice. It’s a one-pan Mediterranean comfort meal that’s both hearty and fresh.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Baked Lemon Feta Chicken
1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
For the Turmeric Rice
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp turmeric powder
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and coat evenly with the marinade.
Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Bake the Chicken
Arrange marinated chicken in a baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from oven, sprinkle crumbled feta on top, and return to bake for 5 more minutes, until feta softens and edges turn golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
3. Make the Turmeric Rice
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add turmeric and cumin; stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
Add rice and toast for 1 minute, stirring.
Pour in broth and salt, then bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is fluffy.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice before serving.
4. Assemble
Spoon turmeric rice onto plates or bowls.
Top with baked lemon feta chicken and spoon over any pan juices.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon.
Notes & Tips
For extra creaminess, add a spoon of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side.
Add roasted zucchini, peppers, or chickpeas for extra fiber and color.
You can also bake everything together in one dish with partially cooked rice for a one-pan version.
Air fryer option: Cook marinated chicken at 380°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, then top with feta and air fry 2 more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Cucumber tomato salad with mint and lemon dressing
Warm pita bread or garlic naan
Chilled yogurt sauce or tzatziki
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 22% DV