Chicken Feta Bake
Chicken Feta Bake is a simple yet elegant dinner made with juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy feta, tomato, garlic, and lemon sauce, then finished with fresh basil. It is rich in flavor and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 4 chicken 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 feta cheese
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced into ribbons
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed. Press the seasoning blend onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Sear the Chicken
- Add the olive oil to a cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until browned. Turn the chicken and sear the second side until browned as well. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
Cook the Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Pour the chicken stock and lemon juice into the skillet. Move the chicken breasts toward the outer edges of the skillet. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the skillet, then add the grape tomatoes around it. Spoon some of the liquid over the feta and tomatoes.
Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the amount of browning achieved during the searing step.
Rest the Chicken
- Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside temporarily. Using a fork or spoon, stir the softened feta and roasted tomatoes into the cooking liquid until a creamy sauce forms.
Finish and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with the sliced fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
This recipe is naturally close to gluten free, but it is important to verify that the chicken stock, Italian seasoning, chili powder, and feta cheese are certified gluten free, as some brands may contain additives or hidden gluten. If cross-contact is a concern, use clean cookware and utensils, and always check labels carefully before preparing the dish.