Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken

Are you looking for a mouthwatering dinner option that’s both quick and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken recipe! With tender chicken breasts, savory Italian-style diced tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Assemble: Pour the Italian-style diced tomatoes into a baking dish. Season the chicken breasts or tenders with salt and pepper, then nestle them into the tomatoes in the baking dish.
3. Add Flavor: Drizzle the melted garlic butter over the chicken to infuse it with delicious flavor.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
5. Melt Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Turn the oven to broil and return the baking dish to the oven. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Serve: Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the baked chicken with Italian seasoning, if desired, and serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: XXX
• Fat: XXXg
• Carbohydrates: XXXg
• Protein: XXXg

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the baked chicken just before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken alongside your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
3. Crusty Bread: Accompany this dish with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices and garlic butter.
4. Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for additional flavor and nutrients.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it on a low setting, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
4. Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Prepare a batch ahead of time, divide it into individual portions, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken remains delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving some for later.

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation Matters: Arrange the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken on a serving platter or individual plates, ensuring each piece is nicely displayed and inviting.
2. Fresh Garnishes: Before serving, add a final touch with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the chicken for a burst of color and flavor.
3. Pairing Perfection: Accompany this dish with complementary side dishes such as buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad for a well-balanced meal.
4. Family Style: Serve the baked chicken directly from the baking dish for a cozy family-style dinner experience, allowing everyone to help themselves to their desired portions.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, allow the baked chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing Safely: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.
4. Reheating Options: Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out, or microwave it on a low setting, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can elevate your dining experience with Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken and ensure that any leftovers stay fresh and delicious for future meals.

Variations:

1. Mediterranean Twist: Add sliced black olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to the Italian-style diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Sprinkle with dried oregano and serve with a side of couscous or quinoa.
2. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter before drizzling it over the chicken. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick.
3. Creamy Spin: Create a creamy version of this dish by mixing in a can of cream of chicken soup with the Italian-style diced tomatoes. Add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for richness, and top with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
4. Pesto Perfection: Replace the Italian-style diced tomatoes with a generous spread of basil pesto on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the pesto, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
5. Citrus Infusion: Incorporate the zest and juice of a lemon or orange into the garlic butter for a refreshing citrus twist. Serve the baked chicken with a side of roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and zest for a vibrant and zesty meal.
6. Tex-Mex Flair: Swap out the Italian-style diced tomatoes for a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season the chicken with taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with rice, beans, and salsa for a Tex-Mex-inspired feast.
7. Asian Fusion: Create an Asian-inspired version by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before baking. Top with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a flavorful twist. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.

These variations offer a creative way to customize the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken recipe to suit different tastes and preferences, providing a delicious meal that’s sure to impress family and guests alike.

In just 20-25 minutes, you can have a delicious Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken dinner on the table that the whole family will love. With its flavorful combination of garlic, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s so easy to make, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without a lot of hassle. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious dinner tonight!