When I first made this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so amazing. The juicy chicken paired with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil created a dish that instantly reminded me of Italy.
It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. It’s a hit every time I serve it, whether for my family or guests! If you love flavorful, effortless cooking, I promise you’ll want to repeat this recipe.
What You’ll Need to Make This Flavor-Packed Dish?
These ingredients come together to create an irresistible, perfectly seasoned dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient shines.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for soaking up all those Tuscan-inspired flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Fresh and juicy, these add a sweet-tart flavor.
- ½ cup black olives, sliced: Their saltiness balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings concentrated tanginess to every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh minced garlic brings out the best in your chicken.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness to the dish.
- Olive oil: Keeps everything juicy and enhances the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simplest yet most important seasoning duo.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people. Adjust the quantities as needed for more servings.
Customize Your Recipe with These Creative Variations
Looking to switch things up or need dietary adjustments? Try these easy variations.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the optional cheese or use a dairy-free substitute. You won’t miss it!
- Amp Up the Veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and crunch.
- Spicy Tuscan Twist: Love heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers.
- Herb Swaps: No basil? Use parsley, oregano, or thyme for a different flavor vibe.
Cooking Time
Here’s how quickly your kitchen will smell like a Tuscan villa!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Essential Tools You’ll Need
Don’t forget these tools for smooth and efficient prep!
- Baking Dish: For cooking the chicken evenly in the oven.
- Sharp Knife: Makes chopping sun-dried tomatoes and basil a breeze.
- Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and veggies.
- Tongs: To handle seasoned chicken easily without messy hands.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the flavorful toppings.
How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts?
Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these steps to impress yourself (and everyone else) with your cooking skills!
Preheat Your Oven Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A consistent oven temperature is key to juicy, evenly baked chicken. Trust me, a hot oven means perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Season the Chicken to Perfection
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously season them with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. A well-seasoned chicken is the foundation of all the fantastic flavors in this recipe. Once seasoned, set the chicken aside while you prepare the toppings.
Make Your Flavorful Topping
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the cherry tomatoes, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Toss everything with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. These veggies pack a ton of flavor, so ensure every piece is evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and top them evenly with your prepared tomato and olive mixture. Don’t skimp on the toppings here; every bite should be bursting with flavor! Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, allow it to rest for 5 minutes in the dish. This step makes the meat extra juicy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips to Make This Recipe Even Better
Take it from me, a few small tweaks can make this dish stand out even more!
- Room Temperature Chicken: Don’t cook chicken straight from the fridge. Keep it at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Invest in a meat thermometer. Once the chicken hits 165°F, take it out immediately!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and freshly minced garlic deliver the best flavors–it’s worth the effort.
- Marinate Ahead of Time: If you can, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours for an even deeper flavor boost.
How to Serve Your Tuscan Masterpiece?
For an elegant presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter and sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top. Pair it with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil. I sometimes add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra flair. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes!
Nutritional Information
Eating well never tasted this good! Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this recipe.
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Store for Later
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or leftovers!
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
Looking to save it for later? Store the baked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently for a fresh taste.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe?
This recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite!
- Quick and Simple: Just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup!
- Full of Flavor: Sweet, savory, herby goodness in every bite.
- Healthy and Nutrient-Rich: High protein with fresh ingredients that satisfy.
- Easy to Customize: Perfect for gluten-free, dairy-free, or spice-lovers.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for busy weeknights or a dinner party centerpiece.
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated steps or hours in the kitchen to make something truly amazing. Give it a try and bring a little taste of Tuscany to your table!
To learn more about the steps, watch this easy video guide:
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup black olives sliced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A consistent oven temperature is key to juicy, evenly baked chicken. Trust me, a hot oven means perfectly cooked chicken every time!
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously season them with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. A well-seasoned chicken is the foundation of all the fantastic flavors in this recipe. Once seasoned, set the chicken aside while you prepare the toppings.
- Grab a mixing bowl and combine the cherry tomatoes, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Toss everything with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. These veggies pack a ton of flavor, so ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and top them evenly with your prepared tomato and olive mixture. Don’t skimp on the toppings here; every bite should be bursting with flavor! Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked through, allow it to rest for 5 minutes in the dish. This step makes the meat extra juicy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Customizations: Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers.
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Make Ahead & Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
