Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinners with the savory and comforting flavors of Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken. Succulent chicken breasts or tenders are smothered in a luscious garlic and Italian-style diced tomato sauce, then baked to perfection with a blanket of melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make dish is a wholesome and delicious addition to your family dinner rotation.

Why we love this recipe:

1. Flavorful Tomato Sauce: The Italian-style diced tomatoes combined with garlic and butter create a rich and flavorful sauce.
2. Melted Mozzarella Perfection: The gooey and golden mozzarella topping adds a delightful cheesy element to the dish.
3. Simple and Quick: With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

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
• Salt and Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

How to Make this Recipe:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season Chicken:
   • Season chicken breasts or tenders with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish.
3. Prepare Tomato Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add Diced Tomatoes:
   • Pour the Italian Style Diced Tomatoes into the saucepan with garlic and butter. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. If desired, add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
5. Top Chicken with Tomato Sauce:
   • Pour the tomato and garlic sauce over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Melt Mozzarella:
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. Allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
8. Serve:
   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the oven. Serve the garlic tomato baked chicken over rice, pasta, or with a side of your favorite vegetables.

Success Tips:

• Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your chicken. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For a golden and bubbly cheese topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes after melting.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Notes:

• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition:

• (Nutritional information per serving, based on yield)

FAQs:

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
   • Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I serve this with?
   • This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.