Description
This Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a crispy mixture of crumbled feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with a vibrant homemade vinaigrette, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of savory and tangy flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and help with cooking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides, then place them in the prepared baking dish to lay flat for even baking.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and fresh oregano. This mixture will add a flavorful and crispy coating to the chicken.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the feta and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring good coverage for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the feta topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: While the chicken is baking, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the top of each chicken breast before serving. Pair with your favorite side dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can substitute if needed (use half the amount).
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness; regular breadcrumbs can be used but may result in a softer topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
