Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts: A Simple & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining juicy, tender chicken with a vibrant tomato sauce and a generous topping of melted cheese. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Best of all, it requires minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this recipe. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store.
• Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy and flavorful chicken dish.
• Minimal Clean-up: This recipe requires only one baking dish, making clean-up a breeze.
• Healthy-ish: While it includes cheese, you can use reduced-fat options and load up on vegetables to make it a healthier choice. The chicken breast provides lean protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Choose breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce. You can use plain tomato sauce or a seasoned variety, depending on your preference. If you use plain, consider adding extra herbs and spices.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Using undrained tomatoes adds extra moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can also use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. This is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, and adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. You can also use fresh minced garlic (about 2 cloves) if you prefer.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavor of the chicken and sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. You can use pre-shredded or shred your own. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly. You can substitute with other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for prepping the baking dish).

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for holding the chicken breasts and sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the spices.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet. This will help them cook more evenly. Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding to prevent splattering. This step is optional, but recommended for thicker breasts.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Gently press the spices into the chicken to help them adhere.
3. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are not overlapping.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
2. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Make sure each chicken breast is well coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C).
3. Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use good quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken and sauce generously. This will help to bring out the flavors.
• Pound the chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and prevents them from drying out.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
• Broil for extra browning (Optional): For an extra bubbly and browned cheese topping, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the baking dish along with the chicken.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a little heat. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage in place of some of the chicken for a kick.
• Herbs: Use fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning.
• Cream Cheese: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese into the tomato sauce for a creamier, richer sauce.
• Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto under the tomato sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a more intense tomato flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs usually take a bit longer to cook.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts are delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
• Rice: Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with cheesy baked chicken.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a comforting and flavorful base for the chicken and sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the leftover sauce.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later. Simply assemble the chicken, sauce, and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Conclusion

These Cheesy Tomato Baked Chicken Breasts are a guaranteed winner for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this flavorful and cheesy delight!

Enjoy!