Description
Baked Feta Chicken is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts baked with creamy feta cheese, burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This savory dish combines Mediterranean ingredients for a delicious dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
Tomato & Feta Mixture
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and sliced garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until each side is golden brown. Turn off the heat after searing.
- Arrange Ingredients: Move the chicken breasts to the edges of the pan. Place the block of feta cheese in the center and pour the cherry tomato and garlic mixture evenly around it.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the feta softens, and the tomatoes begin to burst.
- Remove Chicken: Carefully take the pan out of the oven and transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving plate temporarily.
- Mash Feta and Tomatoes: Using a fork, gently mash the softened feta block and break apart the roasted cherry tomatoes, then stir to combine well. Add the lemon juice and stir again to incorporate a bright, tangy flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, tossing them gently in the tomato-feta mixture. Top with fresh basil leaves before serving for a fragrant finish.
- Storage: Serve immediately, or allow to cool and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through to 165°F for safety and best texture.
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before baking.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or your favorite side salad.
- Ensure to use an ovenproof skillet or pan for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, maintaining great flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
