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Garlic Butter Tomato Baked Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

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This Garlic Butter Tomato Baked Chicken with Mozzarella is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty garlic butter and balsamic tomato sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. A perfect weeknight dinner that combines juicy chicken with a savory tomato sauce and fresh herbs, baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a cheesy golden crust.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (a big pinch each)

Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional chopped basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Combine olive oil, white vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a zip-top bag. Seal and shake to mix. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag again, and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425ºF (220ºC).
  2. Prepare Balsamic Tomato Sauce: In an oven-safe baking dish, combine halved cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, melted butter, honey, minced garlic, chopped basil, onion powder, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, then move the tomatoes towards the edges of the dish. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the center of the dish.
  3. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and juices run clear. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken breasts.
  4. Broil Cheese Topping: Switch your oven to broil and return the baking dish to the oven just long enough for the mozzarella to melt and turn slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm alongside crusty bread, pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness, but you can extend marinating time up to 2 hours if desired.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe dish, transfer ingredients to a baking sheet and cover with foil before baking.
  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor in the sauce and garnish.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the mozzarella or substitute with a non-dairy cheese alternative.