If you’re anything like me and love meals that come together quickly without skimping on flavor, you’re going to be thrilled with this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dish bursting with Mediterranean charm—juicy, marinated chicken paired with crisp, tender veggies all cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and classic Greek seasoning makes every bite sing, and the little crumble of feta cheese at the end adds that perfect salty finish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing a friend, this recipe is a staple that brings sunshine to the dinner table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each component is simple yet crucial for crafting the authentic flavors and textures that make this dish shine. From the rich olive oil that keeps everything moist to the crisp zucchini and sweet tomatoes, every item plays a role in making this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe a standout.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: The lean protein foundation, perfect for absorbing all that tangy marinade.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while roasting the veggies beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the marinade without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: A zesty kick that ties the Greek flavors together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses a warm, savory depth crucial for authentic Mediterranean taste.
- 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning: The magical spice blend that turns simple chicken into a Greek feast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.
- 1 medium zucchini (cut into 1/2-inch pieces): Provides a fresh, tender-crisp texture that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 medium red onion (cut into 1/2-inch pieces): Adds a slightly sweet bite and gorgeous color contrast.
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes: Burst of natural sweetness that roasts up tender and juicy.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: The crowning glory with its tangy creaminess and salty finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Pound the Chicken
Start by flattening your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them juicy. I love using parchment paper or plastic wrap so my kitchen stays tidy. A meat mallet or even a rolling pin works perfectly for this job.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is the heart of the recipe and will infuse the chicken and veggies with layers of bright, herbal flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Seal it up in a plastic bag or cover the dish and let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour—longer if you can spare the time. This step really deepens the flavor and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Veggies
While the chicken marinates, chop your zucchini and red onion into bite-sized chunks, about 1/2-inch pieces, so they cook evenly. Toss the vegetables along with the cherry tomatoes in the remaining marinade for that same vibrant flavor hit.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating to 400°F (200°C) sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken with a nice golden outside and tender, roasted vegetables. This little step ensures everything cooks just right.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes. This quick first round gives the chicken a chance to start browning and caramelizing.
Step 7: Add the Vegetables
Flip the chicken to cook the other side and then add the veggies right alongside it. Air fry for another 7 to 8 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. It’s the perfect balance of juicy and crisp.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer your beautifully cooked chicken and colorful vegetables onto plates and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese. The creamy saltiness of the feta adds that genuine Greek touch that makes this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley add a bright, aromatic finish and complement the earthy Greek seasonings marvelously. A lemon wedge on the side lets you add extra zesty freshness for those who crave it. The feta cheese isn’t just garnish; it’s a must-have topping that brings all the flavors to life.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious juices. A simple Greek salad or classic tzatziki sauce on the side can elevate your meal and keep it endlessly authentic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa, drizzling extra marinade as a dressing. Alternatively, turn it into a wrap using warm flatbread and add some crunchy cucumber slices and tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers. Just be sure to keep the feta separate until serving to maintain its crumbly texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked chicken and veggies tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen meals last well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the air fryer or in a skillet to keep the chicken juicy and the vegetables crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture. A low temperature around 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes usually does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, so they stay juicy and tender, which works wonderfully with the Greek spices. Just adjust cooking time slightly and check for doneness to ensure perfection.
What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own by combining dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg—these spices capture the essence of Greek flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a rimmed baking sheet. Cook chicken for about 20 minutes, then add veggies and cook for another 15 minutes or until everything is tender and cooked through.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least one hour is ideal for good flavor penetration, but if you’re short on time, 30 minutes still adds noticeable flavor. For a deeper infusion, marinate up to 8 hours but no longer, as the acid in the marinade can start breaking down the meat too much.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and the ingredients maintain their texture well, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe enough if you want a meal that’s quick, healthy, and unbelievably flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with minimal effort, ideal for any night of the week. Once you try it, it will easily become a regular go-to that excites your taste buds and makes your cooking life easier. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Veggies recipe offers a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek seasoning, then air fried to juicy perfection alongside fresh zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Finished with crumbled feta cheese, this dish balances tangy, savory, and fresh flavors with minimal effort and clean cooking.
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 the 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. Transfer the chicken to a shallow dish or sealable bag for marinating.
- 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, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, chop the zucchini and red onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Add these along with the cherry tomatoes to a mixing bowl and toss with the remaining marinade.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Flip the chicken breasts, then add the marinated vegetables to the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to serving plates. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and serve hot for a delightful Greek-inspired meal.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 1 hour.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant for variety.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be made in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Use low-fat feta cheese for a lighter dish if desired.
