Chicken Feta Bake
This Chicken Feta Bake features tender chicken breasts baked with a creamy feta sauce, grape tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. A simple, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, ready in just 40 minutes.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1½ – 2 lbs chicken breasts 4 boneless, skinless pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 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
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Evenly rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage for optimal flavor.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear each side for approximately 4-5 minutes until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Add Garlic and Deglaze the Pan:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, gently stirring to deglaze the skillet and lift any browned bits from the bottom.
Assemble the Dish:
- Move the chicken breasts to the edges of the skillet, making space for the block of feta in the center. Place the grape tomatoes around the chicken and feta. Spoon a small amount of the cooking liquid over the feta and tomatoes for added moisture and flavor.
Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The feta will soften and the tomatoes will blister.
Create the Sauce:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside. Using a fork or spoon, mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes into the pan juices to create a creamy sauce.
Return the Chicken and Serve:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the feta sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with thinly sliced basil and serve immediately.
Notes
To make this Chicken Feta Bake gluten-free:
- Chicken Stock: Ensure the chicken stock is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.
- Feta Cheese: Verify the feta block is gluten-free, as some pre-packaged options may have anti-caking agents containing gluten.
- Seasonings: Confirm the Italian seasoning blend is free of gluten-containing additives.