Baked Feta and Spinach Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic

Prep: 5 minCook: 25 min4 servingsmediumItalian
Baked Feta and Spinach Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic

Tender chicken breasts are seared golden then baked with juicy grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese. The tomatoes burst in the oven, creating a rich sauce when mixed with melted feta and heavy cream. Aromatic garlic and optional red pepper flakes add depth to this Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet elegant. Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the creamy tomato-feta sauce.

Gluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, about 4 chicken breasts
    chicken thighs1:1protein

    juicier and more forgiving

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 16 oz grape tomatoes
    cherry tomatoes1:1vegetable

    similar burst of sweetness

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 8 oz feta cheese
    goat cheese1:1dairy

    milder tangy flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
    half and half1:1dairy

    lighter sauce

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F

  2. 2

    Season both sides of the chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper

  3. 3

    Heat half of the oil in a large skillet over high heat

  4. 4

    Place the chicken breast in the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown

  5. 5

    Add tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and feta into the pan and drizzle the remaining olive oil over top

  6. 6

    Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through

  7. 7

    Remove the chicken from the pan and stir the sauce smashing the feta and tomatoes together

  8. 8

    Mix in the heavy cream, red pepper, and additional salt and pepper to taste

  9. 9

    Place the chicken back into the pan and cover it with sauce

  10. 10

    Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot

Tips

Tip 1

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety

Tip 2

Don't skip the searing step as it creates better flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during baking

Tip 3

Smash the tomatoes and feta well to create a creamy, cohesive sauce that coats the chicken beautifully

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container

Make Ahead

Can sear chicken up to 24 hours ahead, then add toppings and bake when ready to serve

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with garlic bread

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan when searing to avoid steaming the chicken

Watch

Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring between pans

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

feta cheese→
goat cheese1:1dairy

milder tangy flavor

Full guide →
heavy cream→
half and half1:1dairy

lighter sauce

Full guide →

General Alternatives

grape tomatoes→
cherry tomatoes1:1vegetable

similar burst of sweetness

Full guide →
chicken breast→
chicken thighs1:1protein

juicier and more forgiving

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Thaw completely first and pat dry before seasoning. Frozen chicken will release excess moisture and won't sear properly.

What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

Transfer the seared chicken and all ingredients to a baking dish before putting in the oven.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.