Description
Sizzling Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Vinaigrette brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with zesty Greek-inspired charm. Crisp chicken roasted alongside tangy feta creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 0.5 pound (226 grams) boneless skinless chicken tenders
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 bell peppers (sliced (red, orange, or yellow))
- 0.5–1 Fresno pepper (seeded and sliced)
- 1 shallot (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin seed
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Chili flakes (to taste)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese block (patted dry)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.33 cup (79 milliliters) mixed fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill)
Vinaigrette:
- 0.167 cup (40 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Optional:
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a scorching 425°F (220°C), preparing for a flavor-packed culinary adventure.
- Arrange chicken tenders on a baking sheet, massaging them with olive oil and a symphony of spices: paprika, cumin, ginger, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Scatter bell peppers, Fresno pepper, shallots, and garlic around the chicken, ensuring each morsel is coated with the aromatic seasoning. Roast for 25 minutes until the chicken achieves perfect doneness and vegetables turn tender and caramelized.
- During the roasting process, transform the feta into a crispy delight by dusting it thoroughly with cornstarch. In a skillet warmed to medium heat, sear the feta in a whisper of olive oil, creating a golden exterior that’s crunchy and irresistible. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a waiting plate.
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper into a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet.
- Plate the roasted chicken and peppers, crown with fresh herbs, crumble the crispy feta on top, and cascade the vinaigrette over the dish. For a more substantial meal, accompany with fluffy rice.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili flakes for heat-sensitive palates or adding extra for spice lovers.
- Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption and prevent foodborne illness.
- Pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot or potato starch for gluten-free crispy feta preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg