Garlic Basil Baked Chicken Breast with Tomatoes
Try this Garlic Basil Baked Chicken Breast with Tomatoes recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Garlic Basil Baked Chicken Breast with Tomatoes recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like things
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomatoes cut to rough 1-inch chunks (leave cherry
- 1/4 cup torn fresh mozzarella cheese
- basil leaves for serving
- 3 cloves garlic crushed with the side of a large kni minced
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- Carbohydrate 0.283095579924435 g
- Cholesterol 136.88 mg
- Fat 6.45071833453804 g
- Fiber 0.0706666665232952 g
- Protein 54.5215999999408 g
- Saturated Fat 1.26685083349681 g
- Serving Size 1 1 chicken breast (256g)
- Sodium 1898.29048852448 mg
- Sugar 0.21242891340114 g
- Trans Fat 0.874376458365677 g
- Calories 294 calories
Step-by-step
- Make Chicken Marinade: Remove basil leaves from stalks and set the stalks aside. Roughly chop the basil leaves so that you have about 1/4 cup. Whisk red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper together until the salt has dissolved. Stir in the garlic and basil. Refrigerate and use within 1 to 2 hours. A+Js tip: If you are doubling the recipe, there is no need to double the marinade. This marinade will be enough for 4 chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Add chicken breasts to the marinade and marinate for 1 hour and up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat the Oven and Prepare a Piece of Parchment Paper: Position oven rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil one side of a sheet of parchment paper that is large enough to cover the baking dish. (Aluminum foil can also be used).
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Chicken: Add the basil stalks set aside from earlier to a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken breasts arranged in one layer. Add the tomatoes then toss with about 1/2 a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken breasts down into the tomatoes, allowing the tomatoes to gather up the sides of each chicken breast. Throw the garlic cloves from the marinade into the baking dish then cover the dish with parchment paper. Loosely tuck the parchment paper around the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken and Tomatoes: Bake until the chicken is opaque all the way through and an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Check for doneness around 25 minutes then go from there. Most chicken breasts will take 35 to 40 minutes. Scatter mozzarella on top of each breast then broil on high for about a minute or until the cheese melts.
- Serve the chicken with the baked tomatoes, juices from the bottom of the baking dish, and torn basil leaves.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Garlic Basil Baked Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I've developed a repertoire of quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that even my picky eaters enjoy. This Garlic Basil Baked Chicken Breast with Tomatoes recipe is a perfect example. It's simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for a casual dinner party. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to whatever vegetables you have on hand.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade, a fragrant blend of garlic, basil, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, infuses the chicken with a delightful depth of flavor. Baking the chicken with the tomatoes allows the juices to mingle, creating a rich and savory sauce. The addition of mozzarella in the last few minutes adds a creamy, satisfying element. I love the combination of savory and slightly sweet from the tomatoes and the herbaceous aroma from the basil. It’s a delicious and aromatic meal.
Why this recipe works for me:
- Speed and Efficiency: The entire process, from marinating to baking, takes less than an hour. This is critical for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baking the chicken in a single dish reduces the number of pots and pans I need to wash.
- Healthier Option: Baked chicken is a lean protein source, and the addition of tomatoes and basil adds vitamins and antioxidants.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The balance of garlic, basil, and tomatoes creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Adaptable: Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Variations:
- Marinate Longer: For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
- Add Some Heat: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or onions.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
This Garlic Basil Baked Chicken Breast with Tomatoes recipe has become a staple in my household. It’s a reliable, delicious, and healthy meal that I can whip up quickly on a busy weeknight. It's the perfect example of how a simple dish can be incredibly satisfying and flavorful. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the ease and efficiency it brings to my life. As a working mom, I cherish those moments where I can create a delicious and healthy meal without sacrificing precious time with my family. This recipe allows me to do just that. It's a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about finding those simple joys in the kitchen, and sharing them with the people you love.
