Feta Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Feta Chicken Bake combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, tangy feta and tomato sauce baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 16 ounces grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 ounce feta cheese block
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
3. Step 3: Arrange the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Scatter the grape tomatoes and minced garlic evenly around the chicken. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the lemon juice over the entire dish. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cooking time depends on the size of your chicken breasts.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together in the baking dish. Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, and onion powder until well combined.
6. Step 6: Stir the heavy cream into the feta and tomato mixture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Return the chicken breasts to the dish, spoon some of the sauce over each piece, and garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use cherry tomatoes if grape tomatoes aren’t available; they work just as well and add great sweetness.
• For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before seasoning and searing.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a similar tangy, creamy flavor. Ricotta or cream cheese would work too but will result in a milder taste and creamier texture.

Feta Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 73 reviews

A flavorful and creamy baked chicken dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked with grape tomatoes and a block of feta cheese, infused with herbs and garlic, then finished with a rich cream sauce and fresh basil garnish.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Vegetables and Cheese

• 16 ounces grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounce feta cheese block

Herbs and Flavorings

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and feta mixture.
2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. This step helps lock in flavor and gives the chicken a nice crust.
4. Arrange Ingredients: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Scatter the grape tomatoes and minced garlic evenly around the chicken. Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of the dish for even melting.
5. Add Olive Oil and Lemon: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lemon juice over the entire baking dish to add richness and a fresh citrus note.
6. Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
7. Mash Feta and Tomatoes: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and take the chicken out. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Add dried thyme, dried basil, and onion powder to enhance the flavor.
8. Stir in Cream: Mix the heavy cream thoroughly into the feta and tomato mixture to create a rich and smooth sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the baking dish, spoon the creamy feta sauce over each piece, and garnish with roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy chicken bake.

Notes

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
• For a tangier sauce, add an extra splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Grape tomatoes can be substituted with cherry tomatoes or halved roma tomatoes.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Make sure to sear the chicken well to develop a flavorful crust before baking.

Keywords: Feta chicken bake, baked chicken with feta, creamy chicken bake, Mediterranean chicken recipe, baked chicken with tomatoes and feta