Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts or chicken tenders
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian Style Diced Tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella
• Salt and Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Assemble: Pour the Italian-style diced tomatoes into a baking dish. Season the chicken breasts or tenders with salt and pepper, then nestle them into the tomatoes in the baking dish.
3. Add Flavor: Drizzle the melted garlic butter over the chicken to infuse it with delicious flavor.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
5. Melt Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Turn the oven to broil and return the baking dish to the oven. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Serve: Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the baked chicken with Italian seasoning, if desired, and serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes.

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken with freshly chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives. Not only do herbs add a pop of color to the dish, but they also impart a fresh, aromatic flavor.
2. Pair with Side Dishes: Serve the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Options include roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa, or a crisp garden salad. The side dishes add texture and complement the flavors of the chicken and tomatoes.
3. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the baked chicken just before serving. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs beautifully with the savory garlic and tomatoes, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
4. Serve with Crusty Bread: Accompany the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices and sauce from the chicken and tomatoes, adding a comforting element to the meal.
5. Add a Side of Pasta: Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken pairs well with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. Toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a simple yet satisfying side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftover Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers promptly and consume them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
2. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
3. Avoid Freezing: While Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken can be refrigerated for several days, it is not recommended for freezing. Freezing may alter the texture of the chicken and tomatoes upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
4. Use Leftovers in Other Dishes: Repurpose leftover Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken in other recipes to minimize food waste. Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Alternatively, chop the chicken and incorporate it into pasta dishes, casseroles, or soups for added flavor and protein.

FAQs:

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
2. What Herbs Can I Use to Season the Chicken? You can use a variety of herbs to season the chicken, such as rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
3. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare the Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
4. Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the baking dish along with the chicken and tomatoes. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
5. What Should I Serve with Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken? Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Consider your preferences and dietary needs when choosing accompaniments for this dish.