Imagine the sizzle of chicken in a hot skillet, mingling with the aromatic allure of oregano and garlic.
Picture the vibrant burst of cherry tomatoes and olives, topped with creamy feta cheese, creating a cozy Mediterranean escape right in your kitchen.
This Chicken Feta dish is delightfully simple to prepare, yet feels indulgent as the flavors meld seamlessly together.
Let’s bring this dish to life and savor every bite.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Measuring Spoon
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Feta, follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Before starting, take about 5 minutes to thoroughly read through the entire recipe and instructions. This will help you understand the steps and prepare mentally for the cooking process.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Gather and measure all ingredients: chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and basil.
- 2:00 – 5:00 minutes: Chop and prepare the ingredients: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives if needed, crumble the feta cheese if not pre-crumbled, and chop the basil leaves.
- 5:00 – 10:00 minutes: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cooking Time (25 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:02 minutes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 0:02 – 0:09 minutes: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- 0:09 – 0:11 minutes: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 0:11 – 0:12 minutes: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- 0:12 – 0:16 minutes: Add cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- 0:16 – 0:21 minutes: Return chicken to the skillet and top with crumbled feta cheese. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is slightly melted.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- 0:21 – 0:26 minutes: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Return chicken to the skillet and top with crumbled feta cheese.
Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is slightly melted.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Quinoa Salad: A light and invigorating quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon dressing pairs well with the savory Chicken Feta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread complements the Mediterranean flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Rice Pilaf: A side of rice pilaf with pine nuts and herbs will soak up the delicious juices from the chicken dish.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Offer a side of creamy Greek yogurt dip flavored with dill and lemon for a cool contrast.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through to maintain flavor and texture.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Feta, cool completely.
Then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Feta, place it in a skillet over low heat.
Cover for even warming.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish.
Cover and heat on medium power to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Feta is a delightful Mediterranean dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with the tangy flavors of feta cheese.
The addition of cherry tomatoes, black olives, and fresh basil brings a burst of freshness to the dish.
This recipe isn’t only quick and easy to prepare but also perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Remember to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy the vibrant and savory taste of Chicken Feta, a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time to guarantee thorough doneness. Sear until golden, then cover to finish cooking. The bone enriches the flavor, adding juiciness and depth, creating a more savory dish.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
You can swap in creamy goat cheese or tangy ricotta for feta. These alternatives melt beautifully and add a delightful creaminess. If you’re adventurous, try a sharp blue cheese for a bolder, savory twist.
Is This Dish Suitable for a Keto Diet?
You’re wondering if this dish fits your keto lifestyle. With its succulent chicken, rich olives, and vibrant basil, it certainly can. Just make sure the feta is low-carb, and you’ll relish every delicious, keto-friendly bite.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
To spice up your dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté. For a bolder kick, incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper, infusing the flavors with fiery warmth and intensity.
Can I Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes Instead of Cherry Tomatoes?
Absolutely, swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried ones to intensify flavors. Their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture add depth. Rehydrate them first for a juicier bite, and watch your dish transform into a Mediterranean masterpiece. Enjoy the adventure!
Chicken Feta
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Return chicken to the skillet and top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is slightly melted.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
