Easy Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken with Mozzarella: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
In our increasingly busy lives, finding delicious yet easy dinner recipes is a true game-changer. Whether you’re wrangling a hungry family on a Tuesday night or planning a relaxed meal to impress guests, the goal remains the same: maximum flavor with minimal fuss. And that’s exactly where this incredible Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken recipe shines. It’s designed to be effortlessly simple, utilizing common pantry staples to create a dish that tastes wonderfully sophisticated.
Imagine tender chicken, enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, simmered with vibrant Italian-style diced tomatoes, and finally crowned with a generous layer of perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a comforting, savory experience that comes together surprisingly quickly, proving that “easy” certainly doesn’t mean sacrificing on taste. Get ready to add this baked chicken delight to your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Adore This Tomato Baked Chicken
This Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hero for many reasons. It relies on just a few simple, accessible ingredients that magically transform into a dish bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. It’s incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect candidate for those hectic weeknights when time is precious. Yet, its comforting appeal and elegant presentation make it fancy enough to serve to guests at your next dinner party. The secret to its undeniable charm? Tender chicken, robust tomato sauce, and, of course, that irresistible blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese on top!
What You’ll Need: Simple Staples for Big Flavor
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its reliance on readily available ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this delightful dish:
- Chicken Breasts or Chicken Tenderloins: You have flexibility here. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice, and for quicker cooking, chicken tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken cutlets work wonderfully.
- Italian Style Diced Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes are a savior for their convenience and pre-seasoned flavor, ensuring a rich and herbaceous sauce without extra effort. They make this recipe perfect for any season.
- Butter: The foundation of our flavorful garlic butter. It adds richness and helps infuse the garlic throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. It’s the star, providing that aromatic depth that defines the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The crowning glory! A good quality mozzarella that melts beautifully, like Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella, will give you that irresistible gooey, stretchy top.
- Italian Seasoning or Fresh Basil for Topping: An optional but highly recommended flourish. Italian seasoning adds a dry herby aroma, while fresh basil brightens the dish with a pop of fresh flavor.
How to Create This Irresistible Baked Chicken
For the exact measurements and a print-friendly version, scroll down to the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
- Season the Chicken Generously: This is a crucial first step! Always begin by patting your chicken dry with paper towels and then seasoning it well on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Chicken naturally has a mild flavor, so a good initial seasoning sets the stage for a delicious outcome.
- Craft the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes. This process is key; it softens the garlic and infuses the butter with its incredible aroma and flavor. This fragrant garlic butter will be a significant contributor to the dish’s overall deliciousness.
- Assemble the Base: Pour the entire can of Italian-style diced tomatoes (undrained) directly into your baking dish. Spread them out to form an even layer. The canned tomatoes provide a quick and flavorful sauce, making this recipe accessible year-round.
- Nestle the Chicken: Place your seasoned chicken pieces directly into the tomato sauce in the baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Drench in Garlic Butter: Evenly pour the prepared garlic butter over the chicken pieces and the tomatoes. Make sure every piece of chicken gets a good coating.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. For thinner chicken tenderloins or cutlets, it might take 15-20 minutes. For thicker chicken breasts, expect around 25-30 minutes. The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
- The Cheesy Finale: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken and tomatoes.
- Broil for Golden Goodness: Return the dish to the oven, but this time switch the setting to broiler. Broil for just a few minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, until the mozzarella is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Be careful, as broilers can quickly burn cheese!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheesy chicken comes out of the oven, you can optionally sprinkle it with a bit of Italian seasoning or some fresh chopped basil for an added layer of flavor and color. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
How Long Do You Bake Chicken Breasts? Achieving Perfect Tenderness
The cooking time for chicken breasts can vary quite a bit, largely depending on their thickness and your specific oven’s calibration. For this recipe, I recommend baking at a consistent 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature helps to seal in the juices, resulting in a more succulent and tender piece of chicken. As a general guideline:
- Average-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces and 1 inch thick): Typically require around 25-30 minutes of baking time.
- Thinner chicken cutlets or chicken tenderloins: These will cook much faster, usually done in about 15-20 minutes.
The most accurate way to determine if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a reliable meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch any bone. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken. The juices should also run clear, and there should be no pink remaining in the center.
What To Serve With Baked Chicken: Complementary Side Dishes
This garlic tomato baked chicken is wonderfully versatile, making it an excellent centerpiece for a wide array of side dishes. The rich tomato-garlic sauce pairs beautifully with many flavors and textures. Here are some of our favorite recommendations:
- Roasted Green Beans: A simple, healthy, and flavorful vegetable side that offers a nice crisp texture contrast.
- Tossed Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
- Parmesan Garlic Knots: Ideal for soaking up every last bit of that delectable tomato-garlic sauce. Crusty bread or a warm baguette would also be perfect.
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad: A Caprese-style salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil would echo the flavors of the main dish beautifully.
- Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of al dente pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne, to make it an even heartier meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy white rice or nutritious quinoa can absorb the sauce wonderfully, creating a satisfying and complete dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another excellent choice for soaking up the savory sauce.
Can I Make Garlic Tomato Chicken Ahead Of Time? & Storage Solutions
One of the many convenient aspects of this baked chicken recipe is how adaptable it is for meal prepping. You absolutely can prepare certain components in advance to make your dinner even quicker on a busy day:
- Ahead of Time Prep: You can season your chicken and arrange it in the baking pan with the diced tomatoes hours before baking, or even the night before. Simply cover the dish and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just melt the butter and sauté the garlic, pour it over, and proceed with baking. This minimizes active cooking time right before dinner.
- Storage of Leftovers: If you find yourself with delicious leftovers (a rare occurrence with this recipe!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can use the microwave until warmed through. For best results and to maintain texture, especially of the cheese, gently reheat in an oven or toaster oven at around 300°F (150°C) until hot. You might want to cover it with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes if you want the cheese to crisp up slightly.
The combination of rich butter and flavorful tomatoes creates a wonderful sauce that’s too good to waste. Be sure to have some rice, pasta, or crusty bread on hand to mop up every last drop!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For even cooking and proper browning, ensure your chicken pieces have some space in the baking dish. If your dish is too small, consider using a larger one or baking in two batches.
- Pound Chicken Evenly: If using thick chicken breasts, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents one part from drying out while another is still cooking.
- Enhance the Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of dry white wine or chicken broth to the diced tomatoes before baking. This will add depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs for a Finish: While Italian seasoning is great, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or even parsley right before serving truly elevates the dish with bright, fresh notes.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before and after cooking, if possible, and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a grind of pepper can make all the difference.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes
If you loved this easy and flavorful chicken dish, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty more fantastic chicken recipes waiting for you. Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it a staple in countless kitchens. Here are some other delightful chicken dinner ideas to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Chicken Salad with Grapes: A refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for sandwiches or a light lunch.
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy, juicy, and much healthier than deep-fried, these are a family favorite.
- Easy Sesame Chicken: A takeout classic made simple at home, brimming with sweet and savory Asian flavors.
- Dorito Chicken Casserole: A fun, cheesy, and incredibly comforting casserole that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Margarita Grilled Chicken: Zesty and flavorful, perfect for summer grilling and adding a festive touch to your meal.
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: Achieve incredibly tender and flavorful chicken thighs in a fraction of the time with this pressure cooker method.
- Honey Dijon Chicken: A sweet and tangy sauce perfectly complements succulent chicken, making for a sophisticated yet simple meal.
Whether you are trying to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight or hosting friends and family, this Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken is guaranteed to be a huge hit. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a truly delicious and satisfying chicken dinner. It truly doesn’t get much easier or more flavorful than this!
Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 1 14.5 oz can Italian Style Diced Tomatoes
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella
- Salt and Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour the can of Italian Style Diced Tomatoes (undrained) into a baking dish, spreading evenly.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces into the tomatoes.
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Pour the melted garlic butter evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes for tenders/cutlets or 25-30 minutes for breasts, until chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove from oven and evenly top with mozzarella cheese.
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Turn oven to broil. Return dish to oven and cook until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown (watch carefully to prevent burning).
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with Italian seasoning or fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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