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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F, preparing for a flavorful roasting session.
- 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.
- Roast the chicken and vegetables for 25 minutes until thoroughly cooked and slightly caramelized.
- While chicken roasts, prepare the feta. Dust feta block with cornstarch, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Plate cooked rice as a base, then layer roasted chicken and vegetables on top.
- Crumble the crispy feta over the dish, garnish with fresh herbs.
- Drizzle vinaigrette generously across the plate, ensuring every component is kissed with the vibrant dressing.
- 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