Are you craving a flavorful, healthy meal that's quick to prepare? Look no further! This recipe combines the savory goodness of chicken with the tangy, salty bite of feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's sure to become a family favorite. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a satisfying weekend brunch. This recipe is packed with flavor, making it a delicious and healthy addition to your easy recipes collection.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Stir in the feta cheese during the last minute of cooking. This allows it to melt slightly without becoming overly creamy. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh oregano and parsley if desired. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad, making it a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For even cooking, ensure your chicken cubes are roughly the same size.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken; work in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of feta cheese to your liking.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Feta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spinach and Feta Chicken: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach along with the feta cheese.
- Chicken and Feta Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It's a great example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. Enjoy this fantastic recipe and explore the many ways you can adapt it to suit your tastes! We're confident this will become one of your best recipes.