Chicken Saganaki

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
  • Flavorful: Combines tangy tomato sauce with savory feta for a taste of Greece.
  • Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
  • Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes, pureed (unsalted, no added flavors)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 4-6 scallions, finely chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the Broiler: Set the broiler to high.
  2. Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chicken in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: Add pureed tomatoes, water, sugar, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well. Be cautious with salt, as feta will add additional saltiness.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return all chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
  7. Add Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
  8. Broil: Bring the mixture to a boil, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil for 5-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly with slight charring.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
  • Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control heat.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish.

FAQs

What is Chicken Saganaki?

Chicken Saganaki is a Greek dish featuring sautéed chicken in a tomato-based sauce, topped with feta cheese, and typically finished under the broiler.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.

Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild heat from crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.

What can I serve with Chicken Saganaki?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish up to the broiling step, refrigerate, and broil just before serving.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking during the searing step; the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.

Can I freeze Chicken Saganaki?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the feta topping for up to a month.

What type of feta cheese is best?

Authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk offers the best flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to use an ovenproof skillet?

An ovenproof skillet is convenient, but you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before broiling if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Saganaki is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the taste of Greece to your table. Its combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted feta makes it a family favorite.

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Chicken Saganaki

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Chicken Saganaki is a flavorful Greek dish featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted feta cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, offering a taste of Mediterranean cuisine with minimal effort. Keywords: Greek chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken dinner.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes, pureed (unsalted)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 4–6 scallions, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the Broiler: Set the broiler to high.
  • Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
  • Sear the Chicken: In an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sauté the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Prepare the Sauce: Add pureed tomatoes, water, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well, being cautious with salt due to the feta.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce.
  • Add Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
  • Broil: Bring to a boil, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil for 5-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with scallions, and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Use authentic Greek feta for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for added flavor.
  • Vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can be added for variation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and Broiler
  • Cuisine: Greek

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