If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week, this Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are perfectly seared and then bathed in a luscious, tangy sauce made from creamy feta, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of garlic, creating a harmony of bright and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rich cream to the tangy feta and fresh herbs, everything comes together perfectly to elevate the chicken without overwhelming it.
- 4 (6-oz) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The tender star of the dish—choose breasts that are even in thickness for consistent cooking.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- 1½ tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, grapeseed, canola): Ideal for searing the chicken without smoking or imparting flavor, ensuring a golden crust.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan, capturing all those flavorful browned bits for a richer sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that perfectly complements the tangy feta.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Provides the velvety base for the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle zing that cuts through the richness.
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: The hero of the sauce, delivering a creamy, salty tang that’s utterly addictive.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided: Offers a mild oniony freshness as garnish and in the sauce for a lively finish.
How to Make Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry, then seasoning them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat your skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot, then add your neutral oil. Carefully lay in the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side. This is the magic moment where you get that beautiful golden crust that locks in juices. Once cooked through to 165℉, remove the chicken and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer the Broth and Garlic
Turn your heat down to medium and pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet. Add the minced garlic and gently scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift all those flavorful browned bits. These bits pack a punch in flavor, so don’t skip this step! Let the mixture simmer until the broth reduces by half, which takes about 3 minutes—this concentrates the flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Feta Sauce
Now stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese along with half of your chopped chives. As the sauce simmers for 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll notice it thickens slightly while becoming silky and rich. This is where the flavors meld into a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Reheat and Finish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy feta sauce to reheat gently and soak up extra flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining chives over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate any dish, and here a generous sprinkle of fresh chives works wonders. They add a delicate oniony crunch and vibrant green contrast against the creamy white sauce. A few lemon zest curls on top can also brighten up the presentation and hint at the zesty notes inside the sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, wholesome sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta absorb the sauce in all the right ways. For something lighter, a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives complements the Mediterranean flavors, while roasted asparagus adds a pleasant earthiness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party wow-factor, serve the chicken sliced on a large platter drizzled generously with the creamy feta sauce. Garnish with whole chive stems and lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their portions. Alternatively, plate it family-style with sides in colorful bowls so everyone can serve themselves and mingle while enjoying the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is cream-based, it holds up well but may thicken in the fridge—just stir gently before reheating.
Freezing
This Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce Recipe freezes well if stored correctly. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more fat and juiciness, making the dish even more flavorful. Just allow a few additional minutes for cooking since they can be thicker than breasts.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free feta alternative. The sauce won’t have exactly the same flavor, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
What kind of feta cheese works best?
Look for a high-quality, tangy feta that’s crumbly and creamy. Avoid overly dry or salty varieties to keep the sauce balanced and smooth.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day ahead and gently reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to stir in the fresh chives right before serving for maximum freshness.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165℉. The chicken should feel firm but still juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a perfect skillet meal that combines ease with sensational flavor, and this Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce Recipe does just that. It’s approachable enough for any weeknight but fancy enough for special occasions, with a sauce that’s downright addictive. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
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Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, tangy sauce made with heavy cream, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Fresh chives add a burst of bright flavor and a beautiful garnish, making this dish elegant yet simple to prepare in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6-oz) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, grapeseed, canola)
Sauce
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Evenly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and ground black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Add the neutral oil to the hot skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Deglaze and reduce broth: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and add minced garlic, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the broth simmer until it reduces by half, about 3 minutes, intensifying the flavors.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, crumbled feta cheese, and half of the chopped chives. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, around 2-3 minutes, creating a creamy, tangy base for the chicken.
- Reheat the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet to warm through in the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken immediately, spooning the creamy feta sauce generously over each breast. Garnish with the remaining fresh chives for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly to 165℉ for safe consumption.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed oil are preferred for searing due to their high smoke points.
- Serve this dish alongside steamed vegetables or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before adding freshly cooked chicken when short on time.
