Baked parmesan chicken with fresh tomatoes is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

This dish combines the flavors of tender chicken, tangy parmesan cheese, and juicy tomatoes to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave you craving for more. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make baked parmesan chicken with fresh tomatoes, along with some helpful tips and variations.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we will need for this recipe:.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 cup of bread crumbs
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 large tomatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking our delicious baked parmesan chicken with fresh tomatoes.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes nice and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken breasts

Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. If the chicken breasts are too thick, you can gently pound them with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan to make them slightly thinner.

This will help the chicken cook more evenly.

Step 3: Mix the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs

In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

This mixture will act as the flavorful coating for the chicken.

Step 4: Coat the chicken with the parmesan mixture

Dip each chicken breast into the parmesan mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Press the chicken gently into the mixture to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process for all the chicken breasts.

Step 5: Arrange the chicken in a baking dish

Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring that they are not touching each other. This will allow the chicken to crisp up nicely.

Step 6: Top with sliced tomatoes

Take the sliced tomatoes and arrange them on top of each chicken breast. The fresh tomatoes will add a burst of acidity and juiciness to the dish, complementing the flavors of the parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Drizzle with olive oil

Drizzle the chicken breasts and tomatoes with olive oil. This will help to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out while baking.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 9: Garnish and serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an extra pop of freshness and aroma.

Variations

While this recipe is delicious as it is, you can always personalize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:.

1. Adding herbs and spices

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the parmesan mixture. You can add some dried parsley, thyme, or rosemary to give it an extra herbal kick.

2. Incorporating other vegetables

Aside from tomatoes, you can also include other vegetables in the dish. Sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or onions can be delicious additions that will complement the flavors of the chicken and parmesan cheese.

3. Trying different cheeses

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute the parmesan cheese with other types of hard cheeses, such as pecorino romano or Asiago. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

4. Adding a sauce

If you prefer a saucier dish, you can serve the baked parmesan chicken with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy garlic sauce. The sauce will add an extra layer of richness and moisture to the dish.

Conclusion

Baked parmesan chicken with fresh tomatoes is a versatile and delectable dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe will surely impress your guests with its flavorful combination of tender chicken, tangy parmesan cheese, and juicy tomatoes. With a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone satisfied. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!.