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Tomato Basil Baked Chicken

Juicy baked chicken breasts nestled in a sweet-tangy cherry tomato and basil sauce topped with melted mozzarella.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time38 minutes
Total Time1 hour 8 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts 4 regular breasts or 3 large breasts cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for chicken marinade
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for chicken marinade
  • 2 tsp garlic powder for chicken marinade
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 24 oz cherry tomatoes about 4 cups; larger tomatoes may be quartered
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for tomato mixture
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar for tomato mixture
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped, for tomato mixture
  • 1 tbsp honey for tomato mixture
  • 1 tsp garlic powder for tomato mixture
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves for tomato mixture
  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs for topping
  • 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh basil for finishing
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and optional 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add the chicken, coat well, and refrigerate to marinate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a 9x13 baking dish, pour 2 tablespoons olive oil. In a bowl, toss 24 oz cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves until combined; spread the tomato mixture evenly in the dish.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken breasts over the bed of tomatoes in a single layer.
  • Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella over the chicken, season with salt and pepper to taste, and tuck 4–5 fresh thyme sprigs on top.
  • Bake for 35–38 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
  • Remove from the oven, discard thyme sprigs if desired, and sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil over the chicken before serving.

Equipment

  • large bowl or resealable plastic bag
  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • spoon or tongs
  • Meat Thermometer

Notes

  • To use canned tomatoes, substitute an equal amount of diced or crushed tomatoes.
  • If using canned tomatoes, stir the tomato-seasoning mixture into the canned tomatoes before placing in the dish.
  • Marinate the chicken longer (overnight) for deeper flavor.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature.