Spicy Cherry Tomato Chicken Bake

Cherry Tomato Chicken Recipe

Overview

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Tomato Chicken, a tantalizing dish that combines tender chicken breasts with zesty cherry tomatoes, spicy salsa, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for those craving a fusion of Mexican-inspired ingredients with a hearty poultry dish. With a prep time of 1 hour and a cook time of 1 hour, this recipe yields a meal that will impress your family and friends alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cherry Tomato Chicken:

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 521.6
• Fat: 31.7g
• Saturated Fat: 15.3g
• Cholesterol: 147.6mg
• Sodium: 1199mg
• Carbohydrates: 12.7g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugar: 6.6g
• Protein: 46.9g

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite non-creamy salad dressing, such as zesty Italian. Allow them to marinate for at least an hour to infuse the flavors.

2. Bake the Chicken:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a glass baking dish and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

3. Prepare the Spanish Rice:

   • While the chicken is baking, prepare the Spanish rice according to the instructions on the package. This will typically involve simmering the rice in water or broth until it’s fluffy and cooked.

4. Saute Onions and Cherry Tomatoes:

   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until they start to soften.

5. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Salsa:

   • Once the onions are translucent, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

6. Season with Cayenne Pepper:

   • Stir in the chunky salsa and cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference.

7. Assemble the Dish:

   • Remove the baked chicken breasts from the oven and set them aside. In the same baking dish, spread out the prepared Spanish rice evenly.

8. Layer with Chicken and Tomato Mixture:

   • Place the baked chicken breasts on top of the rice. Spoon the tomato and salsa mixture generously over the chicken and rice, ensuring even distribution.

9. Optional: Add Pickled Jalapenos:

   • For an extra kick of spice, scatter pickled jalapenos over the dish according to your taste preference.

10. Top with Cheese and Bake:

    • Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the entire dish. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, remove from the oven. Serve the Cherry Tomato Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Success

• Marinate Well: Ensure the chicken breasts are adequately marinated for maximum flavor infusion.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Customize Spiciness: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and salsa to suit your taste buds.
• Garnish Creatively: Consider topping with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherry Tomato Chicken alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or with warm tortillas and guacamole for a complete Mexican-inspired meal. Pair with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a chilled Mexican beer for a perfect dining experience.

Conclusion

This Cherry Tomato Chicken recipe not only satisfies your craving for a hearty chicken dish but also brings together the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes, spicy salsa, and two kinds of cheese for a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every bite of this delicious creation from lovewithrecipes.com!