Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
Garlic Tomato Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes (with juices) into the skillet. Stir in dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and half of the chopped basil. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Pour the garlic tomato mixture evenly over the chicken. If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top.
Bake the Chicken:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you used mozzarella cheese, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious garlic tomato sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings