If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious dish that’s easy to make, look no further than Tender Italian Baked Chicken. This recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with the rich flavors of Italian seasoning and tomatoes, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the seasoning into the chicken evenly.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
For the Tomato Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
For the Assembly:
- Return the Chicken:
- Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Tender Italian Baked Chicken hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
- For extra flavor, you can add sliced black olives or capers to the tomato sauce.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Be sure to allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to retain its juiciness.
Tender Italian Baked Chicken is a delightful combination of juicy chicken breasts, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese that’s sure to please the palate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both simple to make and full of flavor. Enjoy the savory Italian seasoning and the satisfying combination of chicken and cheese as you savor every bite of this delicious feast.
