Feta Chicken Bake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and feta mixture.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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