Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Bake 🍅🌿🧀🍗

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

Rub with olive oil and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

Fold in the chopped basil.

4. Assemble

Pour the creamy tomato basil sauce evenly over the chicken.

Top with the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over everything.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

6. Garnish and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bake

• Fresh basil gives the brightest flavor, but dried basil can be used if needed.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce.
• Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• Don’t overbake the chicken—use a meat thermometer for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and work perfectly in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes. Drain them well before adding to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

Q: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a Caesar salad are all excellent choices.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 2g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.

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