Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice Recipe

Looking for a dish that combines bold flavors and a satisfying crunch? This Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. With its crispy cheese, zesty chicken, and fluffy rice, this meal offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can create this delicious dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Feta:

• 1 block of feta cheese (200g)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Pepper Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Crispy Feta

1. Coat the Feta:
   • Cut the feta into thick slices.
   • Dredge each slice in flour, dip in beaten egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
2. Fry the Feta:
   • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the feta slices until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Cooking the Lemon Pepper Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
   • Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.

Preparing the Rice

1. Cook the Rice:
   • In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
   • Add the basmati rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
   • Stir in the butter and season with salt to taste.

Combining the Dish

Mixing Ingredients Together

1. Assemble the Plate:
   • On each plate, serve a portion of rice.
   • Add slices of lemon pepper chicken on top.
   • Place a few crispy feta slices on the side.

Final Touches

1. Garnish:
   • Garnish with additional lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Arrange the components neatly on the plate to showcase the different textures and colors.
2. Garnish:
   • A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon can enhance the visual appeal and flavor.

Accompaniments

1. Serve with a Salad:
   • A light Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives would pair perfectly with this dish.
2. Bread:
   • Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any juices.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Count

• The calorie count will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands, but this dish is generally balanced with protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Nutritional Benefits

• This meal provides a good source of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil and feta, and complex carbohydrates from the rice.

Conclusion

Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice is a delightful meal that combines crispy, tangy, and savory elements in one dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for a variety of occasions, from a simple weeknight dinner to a more elaborate meal for guests. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious results!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Yes, halloumi or paneer can be used as substitutes for feta.

2. What type of rice works best?

• Basmati rice is ideal for its light and fluffy texture, but jasmine rice or long-grain white rice can also be used.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

4. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

• Yes, adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.

Yield: 4

Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice Recipe

Print

Looking for a dish that combines bold flavors and a satisfying crunch? This Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. With its crispy cheese, zesty chicken, and fluffy rice, this meal offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Let's dive into the recipe and see how you can create this delicious dish in your kitchen.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• kosher salt and black pepper
• chili flakes
• 4 bell peppers, sliced I used red, orange, and yellow
• 1-2 fresno peppers, seeded and sliced
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 8 ounce feta cheese block, patted dry
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup mixed fresh herbs, cilantro, parsley, and dill
• optional rice for serving
• VINAIGRETTE
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.

2. On a baking sheet, toss together the chicken, 3 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, cumin, ginger, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Add the bell peppers, fresno, shallots, and garlic and toss with the chicken. Bake 25 minutes, until cooked through.

3. Meanwhile, make the feta. Add the cornstarch to a shallow bowl. Add the block of feta and toss to coat all sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the feta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Transfer the feta to a plate.

4. To make the vinaigrette, combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve the chicken and peppers topped with fresh herbs. Break the crispy feta overtop. Pour over the vinaigrette. I'd add rice, then enjoy!