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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Bake

Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Bake, a perfect meal for any family gathering. This comforting dish blends rich cream with vibrant cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a unique flavor experience. The simple recipe guides you through searing juicy chicken breasts and baking them in a creamy sauce that’s sure to impress. Elevate your weeknight dinners and make this delightful dish a regular on your table! Enjoy a comforting, flavorful feast that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect baking environment for the chicken.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

      Brown the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown crust. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point, so remove it from heat once seared.

        Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to wash it), reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and balsamic vinegar, then add half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are fully blended.

          Add Tomatoes and Basil: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil into the creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

            Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the partially cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring you spoon ample sauce and tomatoes over each piece for maximum flavor.

              Bake the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce. Carefully transfer the skillet into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. For a fresh finishing touch, garnish with additional basil leaves if desired. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal experience.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                    Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the dish directly from the skillet, allowing guests to see the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil, or plate the chicken individually with sauce drizzled over the top. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can elevate the dish even further!