This Feta Chicken Bake takes only five minutes to prepare. It’s easy, healthy, and delicious! It’s a perfect busy weeknight meal. Simply dump everything in a casserole dish, pop it in the oven, and you’re left with juicy chicken and veggies in a slightly spicy, delicious feta sauce.
This Baked Chicken and Feta is one of those meals that you will keep coming back to. It’s made in one dish; you simply add all the ingredients together and bake it in the oven. These types of meals are my forever favorite. I’m just a sucker for a minimal-effort meal!
Not only is this feta chicken bake easy to make, but it’s also really comforting and delicious! While in the oven, the chicken and tomatoes release their juices, and along with the melted feta and a dash of milk, this combination makes the most delicious sauce! What I also love about this recipe is that you can play around with the vegetables, herbs, and spices to alter the flavors to fit your cravings and taste buds.
I love adding paprika for a slightly smoky, spicy flavor, and my vegetables of choice are always tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. I also ADORE basil in this recipe because the flavor pairs so well with the tomatoes and feta.
You’re not only going to love the simplicity and flavor of this baked chicken and feta, but I think you’ll also like that it’s nourishing and packed with protein! You can serve it as it is or alongside your favorite side – my favorite is my Creamy, Garlicky Cauliflower Mash (aka – the best Cauli Mash ever).
So, save this recipe in your brain (or print it out), and next time you need a quick, easy, and utterly scrumptious meal – make this baked chicken and feta!
Why You’ll Love This Feta Chicken Bake:
- It only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
- It’s ready in 30 minutes!
- It’s made in one dish (a perfect dump-and-bake meal).
- You only need a handful of ingredients.
- It’s comforting and delicious.
- It’s high in protein (45g per serving) and healthy!
- It’s customizable to suit your cravings.
- It’s gluten-free and can be made dairy-free too.
- It’s good for your soul and your body.
Ingredients Needed for Feta Chicken Bake
I’ve listed the ingredients below, to see the measurements and the full recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page!
- Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts: Diced chicken breasts work perfectly here as they’re higher in protein and lower in fat, making this meal more macro-balanced. You can, however, use chicken thighs if you prefer!
- Baby Tomatoes: Once baked, the tomatoes get squished to release their juices, and the sweet and acidic flavor pairs so well with the creamy and salty feta sauce.
- Mushrooms: For extra volume, texture, and fiber, I love adding sliced mushrooms to the mix. If you don’t like mushrooms, you can leave them out or replace them with a different vegetable.
- Milk: A small bit of milk goes into the dish to make the sauce creamier and to help cook the chicken, almost “poaching” it. You can use a dairy-free alternative or use chicken stock instead.
- Greens: I like adding some spinach or arugula to add more volume as well as micronutrients for extra health!
- Seasonings: You will only need some salt and smoked paprika. The rest of the ingredients already add a lot of flavor, so it’s not necessary to add any other seasonings. You can use Cajun spice instead of paprika if you like, or any other spices that you like!
- Herbs: In a creamy, spicy dish like this Baked Chicken and Feta, fresh herbs are always a good idea! My favorite is basil, but you can use parsley or cilantro instead if you’d prefer.
Equipment Needed
As mentioned, this is a one-pan recipe, so you don’t need much to prepare the Baked Feta Chicken:
How to Make Feta Chicken Bake
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this Feta Chicken Bake; I’ve also included some photos, and you can watch the recipe video here. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One:
Prepare your chicken and vegetables. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes the cooking time a lot quicker. Slice your mushrooms too.
Step Two:
Add your chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms, salt, paprika, and milk to the casserole dish. Mix it well to coat everything in the milk and seasonings.
Step Three:
Make a space in the center of your dish and place the feta there.
Step Four:
Bake for 25 minutes, giving it a mix after the 15-minute mark.
Step Five:
Once baked, mash your melted feta and squish the tomatoes with a fork to release the juices. Mix everything well.
Step Six:
Add the spinach and herbs and mix them in.
Step Seven:
Serve as is or with your side of choice – roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, couscous, or my Cauliflower Mash (10/10 recommend).
Extra Tips and Notes
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add in your favorite vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Bell peppers, zucchini, or onions could be delicious additions to this dish.
Opt for Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro will elevate the flavor profile of the dish and provide a vibrant freshness.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure tender, juicy chicken, be mindful not to overcook it. Check for doneness by making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) with a meat thermometer.
Experiment with Seasonings: While salt and smoked paprika are the primary seasonings in this recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative with other spices and herbs. Consider adding cumin, thyme, or oregano for additional depth of flavor.
Use Quality Feta Cheese: Since feta cheese is a star ingredient in this dish, opt for a good quality feta for the best flavor and texture. Greek or Bulgarian feta cheese tends to have a more authentic taste compared to mass-produced varieties.
Let it Rest: Allow the baked chicken and feta to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience.
Serve with a Side: While this dish is delicious on its own, serving it with a side like rice, quinoa, or the suggested Creamy, Garlicky Cauliflower Mash can round out the meal and add variety to your plate.
Double the Recipe: This recipe serves two (big portions) but is easily doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for future meals. Simply adjust the quantities accordingly and use a larger baking dish if needed.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights.
Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Experiment with different cheeses, protein sources, or sauce variations to keep things interesting and cater to your personal preferences.
How to Store Leftover Baked Chicken and Feta
Refrigeration: Once cooked, store any leftover baked chicken and feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation and spoilage.
Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for longer-term storage. Place the cooled chicken and feta in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen baked chicken and feta overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen in a preheated oven at a lower temperature to prevent drying out the dish.
Reheating: To reheat the refrigerated or thawed baked chicken and feta, you can either microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through, or reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed to your liking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating can help prevent dryness.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta cheese adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or even shredded cheddar for a different taste profile.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by substituting the milk with a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Additionally, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
While fresh chicken breasts are preferred for optimal flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How can I make this dish spicy?
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken and vegetable mixture before baking. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of heat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with baked chicken and feta?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice, quinoa, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The suggested Creamy, Garlicky Cauliflower Mash is also a delicious option for a low-carb alternative.
more healthy quick dinner recipes
- Asian Chicken Slaw with Honey Peanut Dressing
- Creamy Pesto Prawn Fettuccine (Easy & Healthy!)
- The BEST Sushi Burritos (perfect for meal-prep)
- Easy Pumpkin and Couscous Salad
- Chickpea Pesto Couscous Salad
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
30-Minute Creamy Feta Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 250 g Mushrooms
- 160 g Baby Tomatoes
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 60 ml Milk (¼ cup)
- 60 g Feta Cheese
- Handful of Spinach
- Handful of Fresh Herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare your chicken and vegetables. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the mushrooms.
- In a large casserole dish, combine the diced chicken, baby tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, salt, smoked paprika, and milk. Mix well to coat everything evenly in the milk and seasonings.
- Create a space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, giving it a stir after 15 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, use a fork to mash the melted feta and squish the tomatoes to release their juices. Mix everything together well.
- Add the spinach and fresh herbs (such as basil) to the dish and mix them in until wilted.
- Serve the Feta Chicken Bake hot, either on its own or with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or creamy cauliflower mash. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can use Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breast if you prefer.
- Play around with the veggies, seasonings and herb to adjust the taste to your preference.
- You can easily double the recipe to make four servings.
