Zesty Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering crispy feta with lemon pepper chicken and rice promises an adventure for anyone seeking bold flavors.

Unexpected combinations create magic in kitchens everywhere.

Tangy cheese meets zesty chicken in a symphony of textures that dance across your plate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a stunning meal.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick preparation means you can savor this delightful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Your taste buds will thank you for trying this irresistible culinary creation.

Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with vibrant spices like paprika, cumin, and chili flakes, this recipe delivers a flavor explosion that will wake up your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple one-pan preparation makes cooking a breeze, allowing you to create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Crispy feta takes center stage, turning basic ingredients into a gourmet experience that feels both elegant and comforting for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping peppers or adjusting spice levels, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and family members' tastes.

Ingredients for Crispy Feta Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Protein that forms the core of the main dish.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that gets crispy when cooked.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch.

• Paprika, Cumin, Ginger: Warm spices that provide depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Shallots, Garlic: Aromatics that add complexity to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Cornstarch: Key components for cooking and coating the feta.
• Lemon, Herbs: Fresh ingredients that brighten the final dish.
• Fresno Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and additional flavor.

Steps to Prepare Crispy Feta Chicken with Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up the oven to a sizzling 425° F.

Grab a baking sheet and get ready for some flavor magic.

Step 2: Season and Toss the Chicken

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Ginger
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chili flakes

• Bell peppers
• Fresno peppers
• Shallots
• Garlic

Mix everything together so each piece gets coated with deliciousness.

Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and pop it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 3: Create Crispy Feta

Grab a shallow bowl and sprinkle cornstarch inside.

Roll the feta block in the cornstarch, making sure it’s completely covered.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the feta in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns golden and develops a gorgeous crispy exterior.

Transfer the feta to a plate.

Step 4: Whip Up the Vinaigrette

In a bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a zesty dressing that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Layer rice on the plate.

Top with the roasted chicken and peppers.

Sprinkle fresh herbs generously.

Crumble the crispy feta over the top.

Drizzle the vinaigrette and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavors!

Pro Tips for Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice

• Massage spices deeply into chicken for maximum flavor absorption and even coating.
• Pat feta dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Cut bell peppers and shallots similar in size for uniform cooking and balanced texture.
• Taste and adjust vinaigrette seasoning before drizzling to ensure harmonious taste profile.
• Use chicken pan drippings to add extra richness when preparing accompanying rice.

Variations for Crispy Feta Chicken and Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the dish's original flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Tofu Swap: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu, marinating it in the same spice blend for a protein-packed plant-based version that captures the original recipe's essence.
• Dairy-Free Feta Replacement: Use nutritional yeast-coated vegan cheese block instead of traditional feta, creating a crispy topping that mimics the original texture and adds nutritional benefits.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Incorporate za'atar spice blend and swap bell peppers for zucchini and eggplant to give the dish a more authentic Middle Eastern culinary experience.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Feta Chicken and Rice

• Flavor Party Plate: Layer fluffy rice as a delicious base, then arrange golden chicken and roasted peppers on top for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
• Mediterranean Mezze Style: Create a sharing platter with crispy feta scattered around, extra herbs sprinkled generously, and vinaigrette drizzled dramatically for a social dining experience.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the dish into a hearty bowl by adding quinoa or additional grains, maximizing nutrition and creating a filling meal that's perfect for meal prep.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, or mint just before serving to add bright, fresh flavors and beautiful green color contrast to the golden chicken and feta.

Storage Tips for Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate crispy feta from chicken and rice to maintain its crunchiness.
• Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Drizzle a little olive oil to restore moisture.
• Quickly pan-fry crispy feta for 1-2 minutes to regain its crispness. Avoid microwave as it will make the cheese soggy and lose its texture.
• Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using to remix ingredients.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this recipe?

The key spices are paprika, cumin, ginger, salt, pepper, and chili flakes, which create a warm, complex flavor profile for the chicken.

• How do I get the feta crispy without it falling apart?

Coat the feta block in cornstarch before pan-frying, which helps create a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the cheese intact.

• Can I substitute the type of peppers used?

Yes, you can swap bell peppers and Fresno peppers with similar mild to medium heat peppers like poblano or jalapeño, depending on your spice preference.

Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy feta with lemon pepper chicken and rice offers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors dancing across your plate. Zesty lemon, golden chicken, and creamy feta create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
• 1 8-ounce feta cheese block (patted dry)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• chili flakes

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 bell peppers (sliced)
• 1–2 Fresno peppers (seeded and sliced)
• 2 shallots (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 3/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, and dill)

Liquids and Dressing:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey

Optional:

• rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F, preparing for a flavorful roasting session.
2. Arrange chicken on baking sheet, massaging with olive oil, paprika, cumin, ginger, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Scatter bell peppers, Fresno peppers, shallots, and garlic around the chicken, ensuring even coating.
3. Roast the chicken and vegetables for 25 minutes until thoroughly cooked and slightly caramelized.
4. While chicken roasts, prepare the feta. Dust feta block with cornstarch, ensuring complete coverage.
5. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and carefully pan-fry the cornstarch-coated feta until golden and crisp on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Plate cooked rice as a base, then layer roasted chicken and vegetables on top.
8. Crumble the crispy feta over the dish, garnish with fresh herbs.
9. Drizzle vinaigrette generously across the plate, ensuring every component is kissed with the vibrant dressing.
10. Serve immediately and savor the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Dust feta with cornstarch before pan-frying to achieve an ultra-crispy golden exterior without excess oil.
• Adjust chili flakes and spice levels to match personal heat tolerance or dietary preferences.
• Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint can elevate the dish’s brightness and add vibrant flavor complexity.
• Marinate chicken and chop vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg