Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly juicy chicken breast, bursting with the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. This isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a dish that looks like it came straight from an Italian restaurant kitchen, leaving your family and guests absolutely amazed!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. If they are particularly thick, you may want to butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Using a brush or your hands, coat each chicken breast with the olive oil mixture, making sure to cover both sides evenly.
- In a separate bowl, chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces if they are not already chopped. This will help them distribute more evenly over the chicken.
- Once the chicken is coated in the marinade, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken breasts. The tomatoes will add a burst of flavor and moisture as they bake.
- Next, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the sun-dried tomatoes. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as the chicken bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes covered. This will help cook the chicken through without burning the cheese.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Serve the sun-dried tomato baked chicken warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with a side of pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Moisture Matters: Covering the dish with foil during initial baking helps keep the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for maximum flavor intensity.
- Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the olive oil mixture for up to 2 hours before baking to enhance flavor absorption.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta to complete this delightful meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
