If you’re craving a dish that brings together savory, tangy, and crispy textures in one bite, then the Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe is exactly what you need. This flavorful baked chicken features a golden, crunchy topping of feta and panko breadcrumbs, bursting with fresh herbs and complemented perfectly by a bright, homemade herb vinaigrette. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests, making it a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an important role in balancing the savory, creamy, and vibrant flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that bakes tender and juicy underneath the flavorful crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring nothing sticks and adding a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the vinaigrette, enhancing every flavor.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds tangy creaminess and sharpness that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crunchy texture to the topping without weighing it down.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the feta topping with a fresh herbal note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped: Infuses the dish with aromatic, slightly peppery flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vinaigrette): The smooth base of the dressing that brings all the vinaigrette ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Lends the vinaigrette a lively acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken and feta.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances the vinaigrette’s tanginess with a touch of natural sweetness.
How to Make Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and add moisture that helps cook the chicken evenly. This small step sets you up for crispy, tender chicken every time.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning really lets the chicken’s flavor shine through and provides a solid base for the more complex, layered toppings and vinaigrette.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Feta Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and oregano. Mixing these together ensures each bite is bursting with a blend of creaminess, crunch, and fresh herbs. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts so every piece has a golden, crispy crust with delightful herbaceous notes once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your prepared chicken in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the feta crumb topping to turn a lovely golden brown and crisp. This step transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dish with textures that are as enjoyable as the flavors.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Herb Vinaigrette
While your chicken bakes, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients—olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper—until smooth and emulsified. This vinaigrette adds a vibrant, fresh contrast to the cheesy crust and succulent chicken, tying the whole dish together beautifully.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the freshly made vinaigrette generously over the top. This final step brightens the dish with herbaceous, zesty notes and makes each bite irresistible.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve the chicken right away alongside your chosen sides and enjoy the harmony of crispy, creamy, and tangy flavors that make this Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe so special.
How to Serve Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or even basil on top before serving to boost the fresh flavors and add a pop of vibrant green color. A few lemon wedges on the side can also add a final refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides—think roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or fluffy couscous. Rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes are also fabulous if you want to keep things hearty and soothing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked chicken over a bed of quinoa or grilled polenta rounds for an elegant touch. Drizzle additional vinaigrette in a decorative swirl on the plate, and sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or capers for added crunch and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate and drizzle over just before reheating to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts with the feta topping, but for best results, freeze before drizzling with the vinaigrette. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the feta crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy. Add the vinaigrette after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and offer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness and ensuring the feta topping crisps nicely.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy, crumbly texture. Keep in mind the flavor might be milder but still delicious.
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, the vinaigrette can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before drizzling, since natural separation may occur.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work fine in a pinch, but panko is preferred because it stays lighter and crispier when baked.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and easiest way is to use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should also be firm to the touch and juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe a try because it delivers an incredible balance of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and refreshingly bright. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing company, this dish is a win every time. Enjoy the crispy feta topping, the juicy baked chicken, and that vibrant vinaigrette — it’s a combination you’ll want on repeat!
Print
Baked Chicken with Crispy Feta & Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This baked chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a crispy, flavorful feta and panko breadcrumb crust. Finished with a tangy homemade vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, it’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
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 the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides. Place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Make the feta topping: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh oregano. Mix until well blended.
- Apply the topping: Sprinkle the feta and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast to create a flavorful crust.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C) and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: While the chicken bakes, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is done, remove the baking dish from the oven and drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the chicken breasts before serving. Serve alongside your choice of side dishes and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice pilaf.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
