Creamy Chicken and Tomato Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal, a creamy chicken and tomato bake might be exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, enhanced with the sweet acidity of tomatoes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made for a weeknight dinner or even served at a dinner party. The creamy sauce is full of flavor, and the tomatoes provide a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

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   • Begin by preparing the chicken breasts (or thighs). Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help them brown nicely during cooking.
   • Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. These simple spices will give the chicken a wonderful flavor base.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sear each side of the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
   • Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

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   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt and sizzle, then add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
   • Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Cook the Tomatoes:

   • Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you can add them at this point. Stir the mixture to combine and allow the tomatoes to cook down for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Add Cream and Broth:

   • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
   • Season with dried basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Add Cheese:

   • Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the grated mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it thicker and even creamier.

Step 3: Assembling the Bake

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour a small amount of the creamy tomato sauce into the bottom, spreading it out evenly. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the dish.

2. Arrange the Chicken:

   • Place the seared chicken breasts into the baking dish, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Pour the remaining creamy tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is covered with the sauce.

3. Top with Breadcrumbs and Cheese:

   • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter and cheese.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. This will give the bake a crispy, golden topping once it’s baked.

Step 4: Baking

1. Bake the Dish:
   • Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling.
   • If the top isn’t golden brown enough, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but be sure to watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serving

1. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to settle.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top if desired.

2. Serving Suggestions:

   • Serve your creamy chicken and tomato bake with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with soft, starchy sides that will soak up all the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Tomato Bake

1. Choosing the Chicken:

   • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicier, so they’re a great choice for this dish.
   • If you use bone-in chicken, the cooking time will be longer, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

2. Using Fresh Tomatoes:

   • If you’re using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, make sure to peel and dice them properly. Roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes are the best for cooking because they are meatier and less watery than other varieties.

3. Make It Lighter:

   • If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be less rich, but still delicious.
   • You can also use a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella or reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce.

4. Customize the Sauce:

   • The creamy tomato sauce is versatile. You can add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
   • For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce.

5. Make It Ahead:

   • This recipe can be made ahead of time! You can prepare the chicken and sauce, assemble the dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.

Variations to Try

• Italian Chicken and Tomato Bake: Add a bit of Italian seasoning and more Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a classic Italian flavor. You can also swap out the mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste.

• Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Bake: Swap fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes (in oil or dried), which will give the dish a more intense flavor. Add a handful of spinach or arugula to the sauce for extra greens.

• Spicy Chicken Bake: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick. Pair with a side of cool sour cream or guacamole to balance the heat.

• Chicken and Pesto Bake: Stir some basil pesto into the cream sauce for a fresh, herby twist. You can also spread a thin layer of pesto on the chicken before baking for even more flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken and tomato bake is a wonderfully comforting and delicious dish, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and the burst of sweetness from the tomatoes is hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy the process of making this warm, satisfying meal!

Yield: 4

Creamy Chicken and Tomato Bake Recipe

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If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal, a creamy chicken and tomato bake might be exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, enhanced with the sweet acidity of tomatoes. It's a versatile recipe that can be made for a weeknight dinner or even served at a dinner party. The creamy sauce is full of flavor, and the tomatoes provide a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add tomatoes and chicken: Stir in the diced tomatoes, then return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat.
5. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve with your choice of side dish, like rice, pasta, or a simple salad.

Notes

Cheese variations: You can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.

Add veggies: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.