Italian Baked Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese. This recipe offers a delightful taste of Italy and is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
🍗 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
🌶️ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🧀 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🌿 Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Equipment
• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Calories & Macros (per serving)
• Calories: 400
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 20g
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
o Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
o Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
o In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil.
o Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
o Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
3. Prepare the Sauce
o In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
o Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
o Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
o Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
4. Assemble and Bake
o Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are well-covered.
o Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
o Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
o Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
o Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
o Serve hot, accompanied by pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Chicken Thickness: If the chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Cheese Variations: For added flavor, mix in some shredded provolone or fontina cheese with the mozzarella.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with garlic bread and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Enjoy this delicious Italian Baked Chicken as a comforting and flavorful addition to your dinner table!