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For a tasty Tomato Basil Chicken, you need these main items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a fresh and vibrant dish. You can enhance your dish with these optional items: - Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (for topping) - A squeeze of lemon juice - Red pepper flakes for heat Adding these can give your meal a personal touch. Freshness matters! Here’s how to choose the best: - Chicken: Look for bright pink, moist breasts. Avoid any that look gray or slimy. - Tomatoes: Choose firm, shiny cherry tomatoes. They should smell sweet and fruity. - Basil: Pick bright green basil leaves. They should feel fresh, not wilted. Using fresh ingredients makes your dish taste better. For the full recipe, check out my delicious Tomato Basil Chicken Delight. To start, let's make the tomato basil mixture. Grab a large mixing bowl. In it, add: - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Mix these ingredients gently. You want the tomatoes to be well-coated. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the basil gives freshness. This mixture is key for flavor. Next, we need to sear the chicken. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Sear each side for about five minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and flavor. After searing, pour the tomato basil mixture over the chicken. If you want, add slices of fresh mozzarella on top. Now, it's time to bake. Carefully put the skillet in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The tomatoes should bubble and soften. Once done, take the skillet out and let it rest for five minutes. This helps the chicken stay juicy. Now, you can serve it up and enjoy the delicious flavors of your hard work! For the full recipe, refer to the complete list of steps. To get the best chicken texture, start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Before cooking, let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. When you sear the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give each piece space to brown. This creates a nice crust. Sear each side for about five minutes. Then, bake it just until it reaches 165°F. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley along with basil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you like a bit of sweetness, try adding a tablespoon of honey to the tomato mixture. Using fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. If you're a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken just before serving. This adds a savory touch. Presentation makes a big impact. After cooking, plate each chicken breast neatly. Spoon the tomato and basil mix generously on top. For a pop of color, add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. Serve with a side of green beans or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dish for shine. This simple step makes your meal look gourmet. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} For a smoky flavor, try grilling your chicken. Use the same ingredients from the full recipe, but change the cooking method. Start by marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the chicken soak up all the great flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to reach 165°F. Once done, top with the fresh tomato and basil mixture. If you like a one-pan meal, the skillet method shines. You can add chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the tomato mixture. Just toss them in while you sear the chicken. This adds a nice crunch and extra nutrients. You can also use different types of cheese, like feta, for a tangy twist. Searing gives the chicken a lovely brown crust, then bake as usual. You can switch up ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use regular tomatoes and chop them. Dried basil can replace fresh basil in a pinch, but use less since dried herbs are stronger. If you need a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a nut-based cheese. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or fish, adjusting your cooking time as needed. After enjoying your Tomato Basil Chicken, store leftovers properly. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When it's time to eat your leftovers, heat them gently. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, use it on medium power. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking often. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you want to freeze your Tomato Basil Chicken, it’s easy! Cut the chicken into portions. Place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with dates. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions for the best taste. Enjoy your meal later on! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. You can serve Tomato Basil Chicken with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed seasonal vegetables for a healthy touch. - A light salad to complement the dish. - Garlic bread for a nice crunch. - Rice or pasta to soak up the sauce. These sides add balance to your meal and make it more filling. Yes, you can use dried basil. However, fresh basil gives a brighter taste. If using dried, remember: - Use one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. - Add it earlier in cooking to allow the flavor to bloom. Dried herbs are handy, but fresh basil enhances the dish. The best way to check chicken is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. Look for: - An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Clear juices running from the chicken when you cut it. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Cooking the chicken fully keeps it safe and tasty. This blog post covered everything you need for Tomato Basil Chicken. We explored key ingredients, from essential to optional ones, and tips for selecting fresh produce. You learned easy steps for prep, cooking, and baking to gain the best flavor. Plus, we shared useful tips for texture and presentation. Variations and storage ideas helped expand options for your meals. Keep these tips in mind to make your cooking easier and more delicious every time. Enjoy your tasty dishes!

Tomato Basil Chicken

Get ready to savor a burst of flavors with this Tomato Basil Chicken Delight! This easy and delicious recipe features tender chicken breasts baked to perfection and topped with a mouthwatering mix of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it pairs wonderfully with a light salad. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the chicken.

    Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh basil. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated and the tomatoes are evenly coated.

      Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

        Brown the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

          Add Tomato Mixture: After browning the chicken, pour the prepared tomato and basil mixture evenly over the chicken in the skillet. If you're adding fresh mozzarella, arrange the slices on top of the chicken at this stage.

            Bake: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the tomatoes are bubbling and tender.

              Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and keeps the chicken juicy. Garnish with more fresh basil if desired before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4

                  - Präsentationstipps: Plate each chicken breast and generously spoon the luscious tomato and basil mixture over the top. For an elegant touch, serve with a side of steamed seasonal vegetables or a refreshing light salad to create a delightful meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!