Oven-baked chicken breast with tomatoes
Oven-Baked Chicken Breast with Tomatoes
Are you dreaming of a delicious, quick, and healthy meal? Then I propose a simple yet flavorful recipe: oven-baked chicken breast with tomatoes! This recipe is perfect for those who want to stay fit, as chicken breast is low in calories but high in protein. Let's discover together how to prepare this tasty dish!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 40-50 minutes
Servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts, halved
- 1 large tomato
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Chicken seasoning (optional but recommended) - you can use a mix of herbs or just salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken breast: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold water. I know it may seem like a trivial step, but it is essential to remove any impurities. After washing, pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Seasoning the meat: Place the chicken breast in a baking dish. Use a silicone brush to coat the meat with olive oil. Two to three tablespoons should be sufficient. Season with sweet paprika, pepper, and, if you have it, special chicken seasoning. If you don't have chicken seasoning, don't worry, salt and pepper will do wonders!
3. Adding the tomatoes: Cut the tomato in half, then slice each half. Place the tomato slices on top of the chicken breast. The tomatoes are not just for flavor; they will help keep the juices in the meat, making it juicy and delicious.
4. Finalizing the dish: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle a little salt and oregano on top. These herbs will add fantastic flavor!
5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Leave it there for the first 30 minutes. The cover will help retain moisture. In the last 10 minutes, uncover the dish to allow the chicken to brown nicely. Be careful, though! It is important not to get carried away and to keep an eye on the oven so that the chicken does not dry out.
6. Serving: Once the chicken breast is browned and juicy, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve this wonderful dish with various sides: garlic green beans, oven-roasted baby potatoes, plain rice, or even a fresh salad. And for an extra touch of refinement, a well-chosen white or rosé wine will perfectly complement the meal.
Useful tips:
- Tomatoes: Choose well-ripened tomatoes, as they will add a sweet and intense flavor.
- Olive oil: Opt for high-quality olive oil, as it will influence the final flavor of the dish.
- Spices: If you like to experiment, you can add other herbs such as basil or thyme.
- Variations: This recipe can be easily adapted. You can add vegetables like zucchini or onion for extra flavor.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. It is also rich in B vitamins, which help with energy metabolism. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has beneficial effects on heart health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken breast? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
- How can I tell if the chicken breast is cooked? Use a kitchen thermometer; the internal temperature should be 75°C (165°F). In the absence of one, ensure that the juice coming out of the meat is clear, not pink.
- Can it also be made on the grill? Absolutely! This recipe can be perfectly adapted for grilling, adding a delicious smoky flavor.
I encourage you to play with the ingredients and make this recipe your own! Don't forget to share your experience in the comments. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts cut in half and boned, 1 large tomato, oregano, pepper, sweet paprika, chicken spices (I used Vegeta), 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
