Are you looking for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to whip up? Look no further than Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken! This simple and juicy recipe is a family favorite that even the pickiest eaters will love. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in rich, Italian-style diced tomatoes, with fragrant garlic and melted mozzarella that create a delightful symphony of flavors. What’s even better? You can prepare it in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish checks all the boxes. If you enjoy one-pot wonders like our Easy Cheesy Tomato Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try this gem. So let’s get excited and dive into this tasty journey!
What is Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken?
You may wonder, what in the world is Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken? Well, it’s a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with the kick of garlic and the sweet tanginess of tomatoes! Fun fact: it’s said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish is certainly a winner! Imagine serving this to hungry folks at home and watching their faces light up! Whether you’re a chicken lover or just trying to add some flavor to your meals, this recipe should be on your list. Ready to find out more? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken is a compelling dish for several reasons. First and foremost, the star of the show is the juicy chicken combined with the robust flavor of Italian-style tomatoes. Each bite brings a burst of savory goodness that leaves you wanting more. Secondly, making this dish at home is a budget-friendly option that saves you money compared to dining out. Lastly, the toppings—like rich mozzarella and aromatic garlic—take your taste buds on a delightful journey. If you love this dish, you might also want to check out our Creamy Garlic Chicken for another finger-licking experience. So why not give this easy-to-make recipe a try tonight?
How to Make
Quick Overview
Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken is delicious simplicity at its best! In just about 30 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that your entire family will adore. No complicated techniques are involved—just simple ingredients that meld together beautifully in the oven. The standout features are the melted mozzarella and succulent chicken, making this dish a real treat!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian Style Diced Tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures perfect cooking.
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. It adds richness to the dish!
- Sauté Garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Prepare Tomatoes: Pour the can of Italian-style diced tomatoes into a baking dish. This will act as a delicious base for your chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season the 1 pound of chicken with salt and pepper, then place them into the baking dish over the tomatoes.
- Drizzle the Butter: Pour the melted garlic butter evenly over the chicken. This infuses fantastic flavor!
- Bake the Dish: Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of whole milk mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Once bubbly and golden, take it out, sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired, and serve immediately!
What to Serve Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken With
Pair this dish with a light arugula salad or some fluffy rice to absorb all those amazing flavors. Garlic bread is another fantastic option for mopping up the delicious tomato sauce. For drinks, consider a glass of light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water to complement the dish nicely!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can easily swap chicken with turkey or even use plant-based alternatives if you want a meat-free version.
- Timing Adjustments: Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your chicken to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t rush the garlic sautéing—this step is key to unlocking that wonderful flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which you probably won’t!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, a quick 10-minute bake at 350°F (175°C) retains the flavors and moisture beautifully.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! Prep all the ingredients and store them separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
Conclusion
Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken is not only a recipe to impress your family but also one that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. It’s simple, quick, and bursting with flavor—the perfect mix for any occasion! So grab your ingredients and get ready for a delightful culinary experience. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian Style Diced Tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour the diced tomatoes into a baking dish, creating a base for the chicken.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place it over the tomatoes in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted garlic butter evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, sauté the garlic until golden to enhance flavor. Adjust cooking time depending on chicken thickness. Serve with rice, pasta, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
