If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant, Mediterranean flavors yet comes together effortlessly, this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and traditional Greek seasoning get air-fried to juicy perfection alongside colorful vegetables. The finishing touch of crumbly feta cheese not only adds creaminess but also a tangy contrast that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to impress, this recipe truly shines from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the smoky warmth of Greek seasoning, creating a harmonious melody of flavors and textures.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: The perfect lean protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully for juicy results.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to both chicken and veggies.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances the richness of olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings fresh citrus brightness essential for authentic Greek flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces: Offers tender crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces: Brings sweetness and slight bite to the vegetable mix.
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes: Burst of juiciness and a pop of red that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty topping that perfectly complements the air-fried goodness.
How to Make Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Pound the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. This helps prevent mess while you use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender, which makes a huge difference in texture.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is the soul of the Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe, infusing every bite with that vibrant, citrus-herbal tang that Greek dishes are known for.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour half the marinade over your chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least one hour, but if you have more time, marinating up to 8 hours will amp up the flavor even more. Patience here pays off with maximum deliciousness.
Step 4: Prepare the Veggies
While the chicken is soaking up all those flavors, chop the zucchini and red onion into bite-size pieces, about half an inch thick. Toss these along with the cherry tomatoes in the remaining marinade so they soak up all that goodness too. This step guarantees your veggies are just as flavorful as your chicken.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you get everything ready to cook. Preheating ensures a nice sear on the chicken and veggies, locking in all those savory juices.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and air fry for about 7 minutes. This initial cook cooks the chicken halfway through, creating a base for the next step.
Step 7: Add the Vegetables
Flip the chicken breasts, then add your marinated veggies to the basket. Cook everything together for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll end up with perfectly cooked chicken surrounded by tender, caramelized veggies bursting with flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer the chicken and vegetables to your plates, and sprinkle generously with crumbly feta cheese. The creamy, salty feta adds a finishing touch that truly elevates this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe into a meal that feels both wholesome and special.
How to Serve Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or oregano work beautifully sprinkled on top to add a burst of green and fresh aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side adds brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the meal, serve this with warm pita bread or a fluffy bed of couscous or rice. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers and olives makes a refreshing companion, balancing the hearty air-fried chicken and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish family-style on a large platter with loose crumbled feta on top for everyone to dig in. Alternatively, assemble it in a pita wrap with some tzatziki sauce for a handheld Greek-inspired feast. Both presentation styles are fun and perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and veggies keep well for up to 3 days, making a quick reheat an easy next-day lunch or dinner solution.
Freezing
While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave it covered, but the air fryer really keeps the veggies from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so adjust the air frying time accordingly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?
You can easily make your own by mixing dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s a handy mix that you can keep ready for many Mediterranean dishes.
Can I substitute the vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just cut them to similar sizes so they cook evenly with the chicken.
Is marinating for the full 8 hours necessary?
While one hour is sufficient for good flavor, marinating longer allows the chicken to absorb even more of those zesty, garlicky notes. If you’re pressed for time, no worries—the dish still tastes wonderful.
Can this recipe be doubled for meal prep?
Yes! Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to keep everything perfectly cooked and crispy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making a vibrant, flavorful meal like this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe with so little fuss. It’s fresh, wholesome, and full of character – exactly what you want week after week. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this Greek-inspired classic again and again, loving how simple ingredients can transform into a stunning, delicious dinner.
Print
Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies recipe combines tender, marinated chicken breasts with fresh zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes, all cooked quickly in the air fryer for a healthy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal. Topped with crumbled feta cheese, this dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
Topping
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours, to develop flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, chop zucchini and red onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Combine them with cherry tomatoes in a bowl and toss with the remaining marinade to coat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts into the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Flip the chicken breasts over, then add the marinated vegetables to the basket around the chicken. Continue cooking for 7 to 8 minutes more, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to plates and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour but up to 8 hours if time permits.
- Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Feel free to substitute Greek seasoning with a mix of oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and rosemary if preferred.
- Adjust vegetables as desired; bell peppers or mushrooms also work well in this recipe.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
