Description
This Skillet Chicken with Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce is a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and tangy sauce made with feta cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Add the neutral oil to the hot skillet. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Deglaze the pan: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth along with the minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth-simmering mixture cook until reduced by half, approximately 3 minutes, concentrating its flavors.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, crumbled feta cheese, and half of the chopped chives. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes more, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Reheat the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce to warm through. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy feta sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with the remaining fresh chives and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a tangier sauce, add extra lemon juice to taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If feta is too salty, rinse it lightly before crumbling to reduce saltiness.
- Enjoy with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
