Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Italian Baked Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, baked to perfection with juicy tomatoes and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly with minimal prep—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy Sunday dinners.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarlic (minced)Italian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakescherry tomatoes (halved)shredded mozzarella cheesegrated parmesan cheesefresh basil (for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove from heat.
Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish and top evenly with sautéed tomatoes and garlic.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the top of the chicken.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add spinach or zucchini to the tomato mixture for extra vegetables.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
Serve over pasta, rice, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, drained diced tomatoes work well—use about 1 cup.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your cheese and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, assemble everything in the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze after baking and cool completely. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
What can I serve this with?
Try garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Conclusion
Easy Italian Baked Chicken is a go-to recipe that delivers big flavor with little effort. With juicy chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant Italian spices, it’s a dish everyone at the table will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing Sunday, this baked classic never disappoints.
PrintEasy Italian Baked Chicken Recipe for Everyone
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Easy Italian Baked Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish made with juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella—perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken, then return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Serve with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Try using a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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