Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds / 900g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Feta Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces (170g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-Ins
- Baby spinach
- Sliced mushrooms
- Kalamata olives
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichoke hearts
For Serving
- Cooked pasta
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Crusty artisan bread
- Roasted vegetables
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for even cooking.
Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken breasts.
Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the diced shallot to the same skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to deepen its flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
As they soften, gently press some of the tomatoes with the back of a spoon so they burst and release their juices, creating the base of the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add:
- Heavy cream
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Stir in the crumbled feta cheese gradually until it softens and begins to melt into the sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth with small pockets of feta remaining.
Finish with the fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Step 7: Return the Chicken
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet.
Spoon the creamy tomato sauce over each piece.
Cover and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If using spinach, stir it into the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking until wilted.
Step 8: Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with:
- Fresh basil
- Chopped parsley
- Extra crumbled feta
- Freshly ground black pepper
For extra richness, drizzle with a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes, such as:
- Buttered pasta
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fluffy rice
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted asparagus
- Fresh Mediterranean salad
Spoon plenty of the creamy feta and tomato sauce over each serving.
Chef’s Tips
- Use full-fat feta cheese in a block for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer for perfectly juicy results.
- Let the tomatoes blister naturally before crushing them for the richest sauce.
- Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the finished dish.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if serving over pasta and the sauce becomes too thick.
Delicious Variations
Spinach Feta Chicken
Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Replace half of the cherry tomatoes with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Greek-Style Chicken
Add Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Include spinach, mushrooms, and extra Parmesan cheese.
Baked Feta Chicken
Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra feta, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring the sauce between each interval.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
This Creamy Feta & Tomato Chicken is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal with tender chicken, burst cherry tomatoes, and a luscious feta cream sauce. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknight dinners, delivering bold Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
