🍅 Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken – A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite

When you’re craving comfort, flavor, and ease all in one meal, this Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken checks every box. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are nestled in a garlicky tomato sauce, baked until bubbling and golden, then topped with melty cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s the perfect weeknight recipe that’s as elegant as it is effortless.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is pure comfort on a plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken

Here’s what makes this dish a must-try:

✅ Juicy & Flavorful

Baking the chicken in tomato-garlic sauce keeps it incredibly moist and flavorful.

✅ One-Pan Wonder

Less mess, less cleanup—everything bakes together in one dish.

✅ Comforting Yet Light

Savory tomato sauce and melted cheese satisfy, but the dish stays lean and healthy.

✅ Customizable

Add herbs, veggies, or even pasta—this recipe plays well with everything.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything to grab for this easy baked chicken dinner:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

🧅 Optional add-ins: chopped onion, red pepper flakes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

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How to Make Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

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Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. You can also add paprika or Italian seasoning if you like.

Place them evenly in the baking dish.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Tomato Sauce

In a bowl, stir together the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts.

🍅 Flavor tip: Add a dash of sugar or balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

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Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top of each chicken breast. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh thyme, parsley, or basil before serving.

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Serving Ideas

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta or noodles: spaghetti, penne, or egg noodles
• Rice or orzo
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
• Steamed broccoli, green beans, or zucchini
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette

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Make Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead:

Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezer:

Freeze baked and cooled chicken portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

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Flavor Variations

• Creamy Version: Stir in a little cream or cream cheese to the tomato sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking.
• Parmesan Style: Use breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top of the cheese layer.

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Tips for Success

• Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Check temperature early to prevent dry chicken.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor—skip the jarred stuff here!

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FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust bake time slightly (usually 5–10 minutes longer).

Can I make it dairy-free?

Of course—just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but you’ll want to simmer them down into a sauce first or pulse them in a food processor for a smoother texture.

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Final Thoughts

This Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken is one of those magical recipes that’s both incredibly simple and surprisingly elegant. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty garlic, rich tomato, and melty cheese is the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this cozy dish belongs on your table. Pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort.

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