Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Chicken

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a delicious, easy, and utterly satisfying weeknight dinner that’s also surprisingly elegant? Then look no further than this baked feta chicken recipe! Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you completely smitten. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts swimming in a creamy, tangy feta sauce, bursting with the bright freshness of grape tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s a dish that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly impressive to serve, perfect for a casual family dinner or a dinner party with friends.

This baked feta chicken recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s about the experience. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with a comforting warmth, promising a truly delightful meal. The quick preparation time means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze—one pan, minimal fuss! You’ll be savoring every bite of this flavorful chicken, knowing you haven’t spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The creamy feta sauce, the juicy chicken, the burst of fresh tomatoes – it’s a culinary adventure in every bite! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s a quick rundown:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ – 2 pounds): The star of the show! Choose plump, juicy breasts for the best results.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): This classic blend adds a warm, herbaceous depth to the chicken.
Chili powder (½ teaspoon): A touch of subtle heat to balance the creamy feta.
Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and flavor while helping to keep the chicken moist.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): A pungent punch that elevates the entire dish.
Chicken stock (½ cup): Forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding a savory dimension.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the feta.
Feta cheese (8 ounces): The heart of the dish! Look for a good quality feta for the best flavor.
Grape tomatoes (1 pint): Their sweetness and juicy texture provide a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
Fresh basil (5-6 leaves): Thinly sliced into ribbons, fresh basil adds that perfect pop of herby flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, but paying attention to these steps will ensure perfectly cooked chicken and a luscious sauce.

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, rinse the chicken breasts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the chicken generously with Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds incredible flavor and creates a nice crust.
Arrange and Bake: Arrange the grape tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the chicken and tomatoes. Pour the chicken stock and lemon juice into the skillet.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked. Overcooked chicken can be dry, so don’t overbake!
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with the thinly sliced basil ribbons. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness!

Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough to comfortably accommodate the chicken breasts and tomatoes without overcrowding. Overcrowding prevents proper browning and even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Don’t overbake: Overbaking will dry out the chicken. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Add some vegetables: Include other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus along with the grape tomatoes.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Herby twist: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
Creamy upgrade: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for an extra layer of creaminess.
Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with halloumi cheese or firm tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave or oven until heated through. Avoid over-reheating, as it can make the chicken dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of tomatoes? Yes! Cherry tomatoes or halved Roma tomatoes would work well.
What if I don’t have chicken stock? You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor will be slightly less rich.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to bake and serve it fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
How do I freeze this recipe? Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken breasts will require a longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

The Final Word

This easy baked feta chicken recipe is a winner for its incredible flavor, simple preparation, and impressive presentation. The creamy feta sauce, juicy chicken, and burst of fresh tomatoes create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to this amazing dish! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out – and don’t hesitate to share your own variations! Happy cooking!

Baked Feta Chicken

This recipe for Baked Feta Chicken creates a flavorful and easy weeknight meal. The juicy chicken is baked with a creamy feta sauce and bursts of fresh tomatoes and basil.

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Ingredients

* 1½ – 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless (about 4 breasts)
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon chili powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* ½ cup chicken stock
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 8 ounces block of feta cheese
* 1 pint grape tomatoes
* 5-6 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced into ribbons

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (or a separate skillet if your baking dish isn’t oven-safe) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
Arrange the grape tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish. Crumble the feta cheese over the tomatoes and chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and lemon juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with fresh basil ribbons before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute other herbs like oregano or thyme for the Italian seasoning. If you don’t have grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes will work well. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Easy Creamy Baked Feta Chicken Recipe