Italian Chicken Bake

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful Italian Chicken Bake, a comforting dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a robust tomato-garlic sauce infused with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for extra zest. Topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this oven-baked delight delivers the perfect combination of savory and cheesy goodness in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a speedy, one-dish meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and serve alongside pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad to round out this Italian-inspired favorite. Keywords: Italian Chicken Bake, easy chicken recipes, cheesy baked chicken, quick dinner ideas, Italian-inspired dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can canned diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6

Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Step 7

Top the chicken and tomato mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 9

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot with a side of pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1354.8 grams (1354.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2213

Total Fat 102.00g	131%
Saturated Fat 40.60g	203%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 752mg	251%
Sodium 5270mg	229%
Total Carbohydrate 30.10g	11%
Dietary Fiber 6.40g	23%
Total Sugars 12.10g
Protein 279.60g	559%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 1854mg	143%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 2667mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 51.9%

Carbs: 5.6%