Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette

Picture this: juicy, spice-kissed chicken nestled in a bed of roasted peppers and golden shallots, finished with a crispy, crave-worthy crown of baked feta. This Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on flavor celebration.

This dish was inspired by a Mediterranean street-market vibe—think smoky spices, vibrant herbs, and layers of contrasting textures that make every bite a new discovery. There’s a little mystery to it too: crispy feta? Yes. It goes in soft, but comes out golden-edged and irresistible. And that vinaigrette? It’s like a tangy love letter to your taste buds. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, treating yourself mid-week, or meal prepping for the days ahead, this dish fits every vibe. It’s colorful, aromatic, and full of bold personality—just like you.

Why You’ll Love Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.

Is this Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette for you? Let’s see. This dish is…

1. Bold and flavorful – Paprika, cumin seed, and ginger come together to give the chicken deep warmth and aroma.
2. Texturally divine – Juicy chicken, roasted peppers, and crispy feta make every bite exciting.
3. Visually stunning – It’s vibrant, colorful, and worthy of your Instagram feed.
4. Fresh yet comforting – The herbaceous vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
5. Easy to customize – Whether you go spicy, herby, or mellow—it’s all in your hands.

Quick Tip: Don’t skip patting the feta dry—this is your golden ticket to the crispiest edges!

Ingredients in Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette

Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it uses humble ingredients that come together in a way that feels totally gourmet.

Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy, these soak up the bold spices beautifully and cook up quickly.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A key player in both the marinade and vinaigrette, bringing richness and depth.

Spices (Paprika, Cumin Seed, Ground Ginger): A fragrant trio that builds warm, smoky layers of flavor.

Kosher Salt, Black Pepper & Chili Flakes: For balanced seasoning and a little fiery kick.

Bell Peppers: Red, orange, and yellow for sweetness and gorgeous color—roasted to perfection.

Fresno Peppers: Optional, but add great flavor and a subtle heat.

Shallots & Garlic: For a sweet, caramelized bite that enhances the dish’s savoriness.

Feta Cheese Block: The magic! Bakes into golden, crispy bites you’ll fight over.

Cornstarch: Helps crisp up the feta to perfection.

Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley, Dill): A vibrant finish that brightens everything up.

Optional Rice: A perfect base to soak up all the delicious juices.

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth and rich, the foundation of the vinaigrette.

Lemon Juice: Bright and zippy for balance.

Champagne Vinegar: Adds elegance and a slight tang.

Honey: Just a touch of sweetness to round things out.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions:

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Getting that oven hot before you start ensures that the chicken and feta bake to golden perfection.

Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, cumin, ginger, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Let those spices hug every piece—this is where the magic starts.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Assemble the Dish:
Scatter the bell peppers, Fresno peppers, shallots, and garlic across the sheet. Nestle in the spiced chicken tenders. Toss the feta in cornstarch and tuck the chunks in between the chicken and veggies.

Cook to Perfection:
Roast for about 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the feta is golden and crisp on the edges.

Finishing Touches:
Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. Once the dish is out of the oven, drizzle the vinaigrette over everything and top with a generous handful of chopped herbs.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, over rice or on its own. Don’t forget to scoop up those crispy feta bits—arguably the best part.

How to make Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette?

Fresh Salads: A lemony arugula salad is a dreamy match.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for swiping up that vinaigrette-soaked goodness.

Creamy Accompaniments: Greek yogurt or a garlic-herb dip on the side = heavenly.

Vegetable Sides: Try roasted carrots or a zucchini medley for color and crunch.

As a Standalone: It’s bold enough to shine solo. Just garnish with herbs and go!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and marinate the chicken the night before.

Spice It Up: Add harissa paste or extra chili flakes for more heat.

Dietary Adjustments: Use tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version.

Storage Tips: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet.

Double the Batch: Great for meal prep or freezing for future dinners.

Tips & Variations/Quick Tips:

• Toss feta in cornstarch only right before baking to keep it from getting soggy.
• Swap shallots for red onions if needed.
• Love citrus? Add lemon zest to the vinaigrette for an extra zing.
• Try it with naan or pita for a Mediterranean-style wrap.
• Want it low-carb? Serve over cauliflower rice or leafy greens.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Halloumi or paneer work great. Just know the crisp factor will vary slightly.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prep everything ahead and bake right before serving. You can also roast it and reheat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes. Freeze the fully cooked dish and reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Oven is best—375°F for 10–15 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: 100%! Just use a large enough baking dish and rotate halfway through cooking.

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This one’s truly special. Whether you’re a spice lover or just here for the crispy cheese (no judgment), Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette is a keeper. Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to favorites. Happy cooking, friend!