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Crispy Feta Lemon Chicken Rice

Category: Effortless Evening Meals in 30 Minutes or Less

For a dish packed with flavor and texture, start by roasting tender chicken with paprika, cumin, ginger, and bell peppers until golden and aromatic. While the chicken bakes, coat a block of feta in cornstarch and pan-fry it until its surface crisps beautifully, balancing creaminess with crunch. Finish with a bright, herby vinaigrette made from fresh lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and honey, then toss with vibrant cilantro, parsley, and dill. Spoon the savory chicken and vegetables over rice, crumble the crisp feta on top, and drizzle with vinaigrette for an irresistible balance of savory, tangy, and fresh notes in every bite.

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Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:32:17 GMT
A plate of food with rice, chicken, and feta cheese. Pin
A plate of food with rice, chicken, and feta cheese. | lottirecipes.com

This crispy feta with lemon pepper chicken and rice is one of my favorite weeknight dinners It is bold and comforting with juicy chicken sweet peppers golden fried feta and bright herbs all tied together with a zippy lemon vinaigrette Whenever I want a meal that feels extra without much effort I go for this one and it never disappoints

The first time I made this I was amazed by how that crisp crust transforms feta into something truly special Now I keep a block on hand just for this reason

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken tenders: choose plump tenders for juiciness and easy cooking
  • Extra virgin olive oil: use a fruity high quality oil for best overall flavor
  • Paprika: smoked or sweet both add color and gentle heat
  • Cumin seed: fresh cumin brings a warm earthiness grind it just before using if you can
  • Ground ginger: lends a subtle brightness and mild heat
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and flavor balancing
  • Chili flakes: adjust for a little kick or omit if sensitive to spice
  • Bell peppers: choose colorful peppers for natural sweetness and vibrant color
  • Fresno peppers: look for firm bright red chiles they offer gentle heat
  • Shallots: mild and tender they melt into the dish
  • Garlic: fresh cloves give the sauce a savory boost
  • Feta cheese block: choose a firm creamy block and pat dry so it crisps beautifully
  • Cornstarch: helps the feta develop that irresistible crust
  • Mixed fresh herbs such as cilantro parsley and dill: use the brightest greens you can find and mix for depth
  • Rice (optional): fluffy cooked basmati or jasmine works well as a base

For the vinaigrette

  • Extra virgin olive oil: brings everything together with richness
  • Lemon juice: bright acid to wake up the flavors use freshly squeezed
  • Champagne vinegar: adds tang without overpowering the dish
  • Honey: just a touch for balance and to mellow the acidity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit Let it heat fully so the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice golden color
Toss and Bake the Chicken:
On a large baking sheet combine chicken tenders with three tablespoons of olive oil paprika cumin ginger a couple heavy pinches of salt and pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes Add sliced bell peppers fresno peppers shallots and chopped garlic Toss everything together with your hands so the meat and vegetables are well coated Spread out in a single even layer Bake for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are tender and caramelized
Crisp the Feta:
While the chicken is baking add cornstarch to a shallow bowl and gently coat the feta block on all sides Pat it gently so the starch adheres evenly In a wide skillet heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat Once the oil shimmers add the feta Cook each side for about two to three minutes using a thin spatula to help flip until every side is golden and crisp Transfer the feta to a plate and let it cool briefly so it sets
Make the Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice champagne vinegar and honey Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste Whisk until the dressing looks glossy and slightly thick
Serve and Finish:
Spread cooked rice on plates if using Top with roasted chicken and peppers Sprinkle lots of fresh chopped herbs over everything Break or crumble the crispy feta across the top Drizzle generously with the vinaigrette and enjoy every bold bite
A plate of food with rice, chicken, and peppers. Pin
A plate of food with rice, chicken, and peppers. | lottirecipes.com

My favorite part of this dish is how the salty tangy feta contrasts with the sweet peppers The sizzle when it hits the pan reminds me of cooking with my mom and she would sneak a warm slice for herself before plating the rest

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days I like storing the crispy feta separately to keep it crunchy Reheat chicken and peppers gently on the stove and crisp feta in a dry pan for a minute to restore texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs work just as well if you prefer dark meat For a vegetarian twist try using chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken You can swap champagne vinegar with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar in the vinaigrette

Serving Suggestions

Serve this over a bed of fluffy rice or try it in warm pita with a spoonful of plain yogurt Leftover veggies and chicken are excellent tossed into salads for lunch the next day

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you get the feta cheese crispy?

Pat the feta dry, coat it in cornstarch, and sear in hot olive oil for a few minutes on each side until golden and crisp.

→ What herbs work best for the garnish?

Fresh cilantro, parsley, and dill lend vibrant, aromatic notes that complement the other ingredients beautifully.

→ Can I use different peppers?

Absolutely! Mix red, orange, and yellow bell peppers with fresno or any mild chili to suit your taste and spice preference.

→ Is rice necessary for this meal?

No, it’s optional. However, rice provides a perfect base for soaking up the juices and balancing the flavors.

→ How can I make the vinaigrette extra zesty?

Increase lemon juice or add a touch more vinegar for extra brightness in the vinaigrette.

→ Can I prepare anything in advance?

You can slice peppers, shallots, and garlic ahead of time, and prepare the vinaigrette in advance to save time.

Crispy Feta Lemon Chicken Rice

Crispy feta, lemony chicken, and colorful peppers served with rice for a zesty, hearty Mediterranean-style meal.

Preparation Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
50 mins

Category: Quick Dinners

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 g boneless, skinless chicken tenders
02 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
03 2 teaspoons paprika
04 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
05 1 teaspoon ground ginger
06 Kosher salt, to taste
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 Chili flakes, to taste
09 4 bell peppers, sliced (red, orange, and yellow preferred)
10 1–2 Fresno peppers, seeded and sliced
11 2 shallots, thinly sliced
12 4 garlic cloves, chopped
13 1 block feta cheese (approximately 200 g), patted dry
14 60 g cornstarch (1/4 cup)
15 Mixed fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill), chopped (approximately 30 g or 3/4 cup)
16 Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

→ Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette

17 80 ml extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
18 2 tablespoons lemon juice
19 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
20 2 teaspoons honey
21 Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set the oven to 220°C (425°F) and allow it to heat fully.

Step 02

On a large baking sheet, combine chicken tenders, 3 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, cumin seeds, ground ginger, and a generous pinch each of salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Add sliced bell peppers, Fresno peppers, shallots, and chopped garlic. Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.

Step 03

Spread the mixture in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Step 04

While the chicken roasts, place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Coat the block of feta on all sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated feta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove feta and set onto a plate.

Step 05

In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, and honey. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 06

Arrange roasted chicken and vegetables on plates. Top with generous spoonfuls of mixed fresh herbs. Break the crispy feta into large pieces and scatter over the top. Drizzle with lemon pepper vinaigrette. Serve with cooked rice if desired.

Additional Notes

  1. Pat the feta dry before coating in cornstarch to ensure maximum crispiness and minimize splattering.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Shallow dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 770
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~