Baked Italian Chicken Dinner Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, providing a lean and tender meat option.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken and help the seasoning adhere, adding a rich flavor.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the dish its Italian flair.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Cherry tomatoes: Provide a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory chicken.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a creamy texture and flavor.

Fresh basil: Used as a garnish, it adds a fresh and aromatic finish to the dish.

When coating the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture, make sure to massage the olive oil and spices into the meat thoroughly. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken. Additionally, allowing the seasoned chicken to rest for a few minutes before baking can enhance the absorption of the seasonings.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative for chicken breasts in this recipe.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil in baked dishes.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs, providing a comparable flavor profile to Italian seasoning.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar spiciness and flavor, with a slightly different color and aroma.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a suitable alternative to cherry tomatoes.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar meltability and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for mozzarella cheese.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous note, though with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the baked Italian chicken dinner to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Transfer the chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes to an airtight container. Make sure to separate the mozzarella cheese if possible to maintain its texture.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• For freezing, place the cooled chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• When ready to reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
• For best results, add fresh mozzarella cheese and basil after reheating to revive the dish’s original flavors and textures.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked Italian chicken dinner in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly again.
  5. Optionally, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer of cheese.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the leftover chicken and cherry tomatoes on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or a splash of water to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover chicken and cherry tomatoes in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken and cherry tomatoes in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. The chicken should be hot and the cheese should be melted and slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken and melt the cheese, ensuring even cooking at a consistent temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with the chicken breasts.

• Baking dish: Holds the chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes while they bake in the oven.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the halved cherry tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Knife: Used to chop the fresh basil and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the fresh basil and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• Tongs: Used to handle and coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture in the mixing bowl.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in and removing it from the oven.

• Grater: Used to shred the mozzarella cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Spatula: Helps to evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to save time on grating.

Marinate overnight: Coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture the night before to enhance flavor and save prep time.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper or foil to line the baking dish for easier cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.