Italian Recipes
Baked Chicken with Mozzarella and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Oven-Baked Chicken Breast with Tomato and Mozzarella
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 2
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 500 g |
| Cherry tomatoes (datterini) | 250 g |
| Mozzarella | 250 g |
| Paprika | 2 g |
| Fresh rosemary | 4 g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Fresh basil leaves | 4 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fats | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by finely chopping the fresh rosemary.
- Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two even portions.
- Place the chicken in a mixing bowl. Add paprika, chopped rosemary, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and massage the chicken thoroughly, ensuring it is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside to marinate while preparing the other ingredients.
-
-
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water.
- Slice each tomato in half and set aside.
-
Start Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In an oven-safe skillet or pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic cloves (leave them whole and slightly crushed for easy removal later) and sauté for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and stir gently to coat them in the fragrant oil.
-
Season and Bake
- Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes for a burst of herbal aroma.
- Cover the skillet or pan with aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the chicken stays moist.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
-
Finish Cooking
- After 25 minutes, remove the aluminum foil.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the chicken and tomatoes to develop a golden color.
-
Add the Mozzarella
- Remove the skillet from the oven.
- Place slices of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Return the skillet to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella melts into a luscious, creamy layer.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
- Plate each chicken breast, topping it generously with the roasted tomatoes and melted mozzarella. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf for a beautiful finish.
This Oven-Baked Chicken Breast with Tomato and Mozzarella is a delightful dish that brings together the tender juiciness of seasoned chicken, the tangy sweetness of roasted tomatoes, and the creamy decadence of melted mozzarella. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
