Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta Recipe
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious tomato sauce and the tangy, salty bite of feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. The creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken, while the feta adds a unique twist that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial as it ensures that the chicken is flavorful throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. The onion and garlic form the flavorful base of the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Slowly pour the heavy cream into the tomato sauce, stirring constantly to combine. The cream will create a luxurious, rich sauce that perfectly coats the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy tomato sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s fully covered. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Add the Feta Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce. The feta will slightly melt into the sauce, adding a tangy, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the tomato and cream.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta hot, with your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Serve with Rice or Pasta
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is delicious served over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite pasta. The rice or pasta will soak up the creamy tomato sauce, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the chicken and sauce. The freshness of the salad balances the dish, making for a well-rounded meal.
Crusty Bread for Dipping
Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy tomato sauce. The bread adds a satisfying texture and makes the meal even more comforting.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, onions, and basil will make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.
Adjust the Creaminess
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half. For an even richer sauce, add a little more cream or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
To keep the chicken juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to serve.
Variations on Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Spinach and Feta Version
For added nutrition, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce just before adding the feta cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly and adds a nice color and flavor to the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Chicken
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of tomato flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with the feta cheese and add a slightly sweet, tangy element to the dish.
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta and Olives
Stir in a handful of sliced Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist. The briny flavor of the olives complements the feta cheese and adds another layer of complexity to the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Chicken
Chicken is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is lower in calories and fat than many other cheeses, making it a good option for those watching their fat intake. It’s also a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They will add a slightly richer flavor to the dish due to their higher fat content.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and cook the chicken as directed.
Q4: What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta cheese. Both will add a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Q5: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the feta cheese. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of tang.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and tangy feta cheese creates a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta Recipe
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious tomato sauce and the tangy, salty bite of feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. The creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken, while the feta adds a unique twist that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets
- 3.5 ounces pancetta
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 4.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes drained, oil reserved
- 7 ounces cherry tomatoes cut in half
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup cooking cream
- 3.5 ounces tomato paste
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3.5 ounces crumbled feta
- 3 tbsp chopped parsley
- red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
Heat 3 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove, leaving the oil in the pan and set aside.
Season the chicken fillets all over with sweet paprika powder, salt and pepper.
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the chicken and cook over medium heat, for 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and place on a clean plate. Cover with foil.
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cook until softened over low heat, about 2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes, cook for 2 minutes. Pour white wine, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, season with salt, pepper and oregano. Pour chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream. Stir to combine. Add chicken back into the skillet. Crumble the feta among the chicken. Allow to simmer for 5 more minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Serve topped with parsley and crispy pancetta. Sprinkle with some red pepper flakes and enjoy!