Looking for a flavorful and easy chicken breast recipe that will impress your guests? Look no further than this garlic basil baked chicken breast with tomatoes! This delicious dish combines the bold flavors of garlic and basil with juicy chicken breasts and tangy tomatoes for a mouthwatering meal.
The star of this dish is the garlic and basil marinade, which infuses the chicken breasts with incredible flavor. To make the marinade, simply combine minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, gently massage the marinade into the chicken, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to bake it with the tomatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish, and arrange sliced tomatoes on top. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper for added flavor. Then, bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes have softened.
Serve this delicious garlic basil baked chicken breast with tomatoes on a bed of rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Your guests will be impressed with the tender and flavorful chicken, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
- Combine the marinade ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix together minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients create a delicious and aromatic marinade.
- Coat the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts in the dish with the marinade and flip them a few times to ensure they are fully coated. It’s a good idea to use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring that all sides are covered.
- Let it marinate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken and helps to tenderize the meat. For even better results, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours.
Marinating the chicken in this garlic basil mixture adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. The garlic and basil are classic flavor pairings with chicken and provide a fragrant and savory taste. The olive oil and lemon juice help to keep the chicken moist and tender during the baking process. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be, so if time allows, try to marinate it for the full 24 hours before cooking.
Step 2: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Once you have marinated the chicken breast with garlic and basil, it’s time to prepare the flavorful tomato sauce that will accompany the dish. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the chicken, making it even more delicious.
To make the tomato sauce, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This will create a aromatic base for the sauce.
Next, add diced tomatoes to the saucepan and stir well. You can use either fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, depending on your preference and availability. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure to remove the skin and seeds before dicing them. This will result in a smoother sauce.
After adding the tomatoes, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir the sauce and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Once the tomato sauce is ready, you can remove it from the heat and keep it aside until you are ready to bake the chicken breasts. The combination of the garlic and basil-infused chicken with the tangy tomato sauce will create a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Baking the Chicken
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. While the oven is preheating, place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Next, pour the tomato-basil mixture over the chicken, making sure to evenly distribute it. This mixture adds a burst of fresh flavors and moisture to the chicken while it bakes. You can use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
| Baking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| 25-30 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
Once the oven has preheated, place the baking dish or baking sheet in the oven and let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
While the chicken is baking, the aroma of garlic, basil, and tomatoes will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. You can use this time to prepare any side dishes or set the table for a delicious meal.
