Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight wonder that’s bursting with flavor and practically effortless, the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy chicken breasts are tucked into a bubbling tomato-garlic sauce, crowned with a melty duo of cheeses, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This dish is the definition of comfort food with a vibrant, Italian-inspired twist—perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or meal prep lunches that will actually excite you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe keeps things simple but sensational, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each play a starring role. Every item brings something unique to the table, from juicy chicken to fresh, herby brightness that ties it all together.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, tender, and soak up all the incredible flavors in this dish.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while baking.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing every other flavor in the pan.
- Black Pepper: Brings just the right amount of gentle heat to balance the tomatoes and cheese.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the tomato sauce with a warm, aromatic kick.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that gives the dish its signature Mediterranean flair.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with their juices create a saucy base that keeps the chicken juicy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness and a pop of color in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that melds beautifully into the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, blanketing the chicken.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs bring a fresh, lively finish to the baked dish.
How to Make Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil—this not only helps with cleanup later, but it also ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and gets a touch of extra flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them sear and absorb seasoning better. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Massaging the seasonings in with your hands is worth the effort, letting every piece soak up those zesty herbs and spices.
Step 3: Create the Tomato-Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, combine your minced garlic and canned diced tomatoes (juice included). The garlic will mellow as it bakes, infusing the sauce with robust flavor that’s never overpowering. Pour this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the chicken for extra color and juiciness. Then comes the fun part: sprinkle both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly across the top. The cheeses will bubble and turn golden as they bake, creating that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven, uncovered. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will be bubbling, the cheese will be gloriously melted, and the kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of vibrant, chopped basil or parsley does wonders for this dish. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but the fresh herbs also balance the richness of the cheese and tomatoes. For a little extra flair, try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe is wonderfully versatile. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or even creamy polenta. For a lighter touch, opt for roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, plate each chicken breast atop a swirl of pasta and drizzle with extra sauce from the baking dish. Hosting a casual family meal? Serve it family-style, straight from the baking dish, with plenty of crusty bread for sopping up those garlicky tomato juices. Individual ramekins also make for a cozy, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your baked chicken, let it cool completely first. Transfer portions (with plenty of sauce) to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—this helps preserve the cheese’s gooey texture. You can also microwave individual portions, but add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the baking time if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. Or simply use whatever dried herbs you have on hand for a custom blend.
Is this Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as written. If you’re serving with pasta, just use your favorite gluten-free variety for a completely gluten-free meal.
How can I make this dish even more flavorful?
For extra depth, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before baking. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a little zing.
Can I prepare this Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to cook, bring to room temperature and bake as directed for a fuss-free dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe is comfort food at its very best—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just feed your family something they’ll genuinely love, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
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Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy Italian-inspired Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts baked with garlic, diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for a cheesy, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Tomato Mixture
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese and Herbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with classic herb flavors.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make Tomato-Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with the canned diced tomatoes (including juices). Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Top Chicken: Pour the tomato and garlic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top for added freshness and texture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the tomato-topped chicken to create a cheesy, golden topping when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and retain moisture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken just before serving for an aromatic finish and a pop of color.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For enhanced flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
