This Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is one of those magical, comforting dinners that looks impressive, tastes restaurant-worthy, and comes together with just one pan. Imagine tender chicken nestled in a velvety tomato sauce, accented with tangy feta and savory pancetta—each bite is a symphony of bold Mediterranean flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Magic: Everything cooks up in a single skillet, which means less fuss—and even less cleanup.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combo of cream, tomato, and feta creates a decadent, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Between the pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, every forkful is bursting with savory and tangy notes.
- Incredibly Fast & Easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes—so you can treat yourself on even the busiest weeknights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the bold flavors here—each ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is carefully chosen for maximum impact, color, and texture, while keeping things approachable. You’ll find these staples at most grocery stores and, trust me, every single one brings something magical to the party!
- Chicken Fillets: Boneless, skinless fillets cook quickly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Pancetta: These Italian bacon cubes add a smoky, salty bite that balances the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Just a touch keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce velvety.
- Garlic & Onion: The classic aromatic duo—totally essential for building flavor from the get-go.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil reserved): Adds tang and sweetness; use the oil for big flavor right away.
- Cherry Tomatoes: For bursts of juicy freshness throughout the creamy sauce.
- Dry White Wine: Deepens the sauce with gentle acidity and aroma; use something you’d happily sip.
- Cooking Cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky texture that defines this dish.
- Tomato Paste: Doubles down on rich tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Rounds out and amplifies all other flavors; low-sodium is best for customizing saltiness.
- Dried Oregano & Sweet Paprika: The ultimate Mediterranean seasoning combo—herby, earthy, and just a little bit smoky.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously all the way through for best results.
- Crumbled Feta: Tangy, salty, and creamy—this cheese transforms the sauce into something unforgettable.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor right at the end.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle on top wakes up all the flavors and brings gentle heat.
Variations
Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta is just as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you need to use what’s in your fridge or make it suit your tastes, these simple swaps and tweaks make this recipe endlessly customizable.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Swap in boneless, skinless thighs for juicier, richer-flavored chicken.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken and pancetta with pan-seared halloumi and mushrooms for a meatless main that still packs a punch.
- Cream Swap: Substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-friendly, without sacrificing creaminess.
- Add Greens: Toss in baby spinach or chopped kale in the last few minutes for a colorful veggie boost.
- Spice It Up: Like extra heat? Mix more red pepper flakes directly into the sauce, or try smoked paprika instead of sweet.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Step 1: Crisp the Pancetta
Start by heating a few tablespoons of the reserved oil from your sun-dried tomatoes in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the diced pancetta to the shimmering oil and cook, stirring often, until golden and delightfully crispy—about 2-3 minutes. Set the pancetta aside, making sure to leave all that savory-flavored oil behind in the pan. This simple step adds a deep, smoky base note to the whole dish.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously season your chicken fillets all over with sweet paprika, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor in every bite. In the same skillet, melt a pat of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Lower the heat and toss your finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the same pan. Sauté gently for about 2 minutes until soft and aromatic—no need to rush here! Add the halved cherry tomatoes, letting them soften and burst a bit for extra sweetness and color. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom for heaps of flavor, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and let everything come to a gentle simmer. Now, swirl in your sun-dried tomatoes and the luscious cream. Stir to combine thoroughly—the sauce should already look rich and inviting!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken (along with any accumulated juices) to the pan. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over and around the chicken so it melts slightly into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has a silky, spoon-coating consistency. That’s it—Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta, ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
- Use the Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Frying the pancetta and aromatics in the leftover oil infuses the dish with next-level flavor you simply can’t get from plain olive oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed so you get that lovely golden crust—this makes a huge difference for texture and taste.
- Simmer Just Right: Let the sauce thicken until it just coats the back of a spoon; if it gets too thick, a splash of broth brings it right back.
- Crumble Feta at the End: Adding feta at the last moment lets it melt from the gentle heat, creating pockets of creamy, tangy goodness rather than blending away completely.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta with a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley, a crumble of extra feta, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. For even more drama, scatter those crispy pancetta bits right on top. The contrast of colors and flavors makes each bite as gorgeous as it is delicious!
Side Dishes
This dish begs for something to soak up the rich sauce—think pillowy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty warm bread. If you’re craving veggies, serve alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to brighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over a bed of couscous or polenta, then spoon the sauce lavishly over the top. For a rustic family meal, serve it straight from the pan at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves—no fuss, maximum coziness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer everything—sauce and all—to an airtight container, and you’ll have a fabulous lunch or quick dinner ready to heat and eat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish with good results! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Just know that the creamy sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle stir when reheating brings everything back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta gently on the stovetop over low heat until just warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce appears too thick. Microwave works too, but go slow and stir halfway to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
-
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of fillets?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs have more fat, so they’ll be extra juicy—just add a couple extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they’re fully done. The flavors for Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta will be just as delicious.
-
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cooking cream with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut cream or oat-based cream), and use a vegan feta. The result is still a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with plenty of depth.
-
What kind of white wine works best here?
Choose a dry white wine you enjoy drinking—Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are ideal choices. Avoid anything too sweet, as it can make the sauce overly rich or cloying.
-
Can Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the whole dish up to a day ahead. Reheat gently before serving, and sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley and crispy pancetta on top to revive that just-cooked magic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting meal with unbeatable flavor but minimal fuss, please give Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta a spot on your table this week. It’s one of those feel-good, crowd-pleasing dinners that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—so go on, treat yourself and your loved ones to this Mediterranean hug in a pan!
PrintCreamy Tomato Chicken with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Creamy Tomato Chicken with Feta recipe. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Serve this comforting dish with a sprinkle of crispy pancetta and a hint of red pepper flakes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken fillets
Pancetta:
- 3 1/2 oz pancetta
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 1/2 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
- 7 oz cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup cooking cream
- 3 1/2 oz tomato paste
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 1/2 oz crumbled feta
- 3 tbsp chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pancetta: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a pan, cook pancetta until crispy. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in butter until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, cook onion and garlic. Add cherry tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, seasonings, and broth.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and chicken. Simmer until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Serve: Top with parsley, pancetta, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over pasta.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 140mg