Tuscan Herb Chicken Bake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Meet the Tuscan Herb Chicken Bake: a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the rustic charm of Tuscany right to your kitchen. This recipe combines fresh veggies and herbs for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients for Tuscan Herb Chicken Bake

The star of this dish is the chicken breasts, providing a lean and versatile base for the flavors to build upon. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness. The baby spinach leaves bring a pop of color and nutrition. Sliced mushrooms offer an earthy depth, while the artichoke hearts add a subtle tanginess. A medium onion, thinly sliced, contributes a sweet and savory undertone. Garlic cloves, minced, infuse the dish with their aromatic goodness. For the cheesy goodness, we have shredded mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan cheese for that umami kick. The olive oil is essential for roasting and flavor blending. Finally, a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme ties everything together with an unmistakable Italian flair.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand; they’ll give an even more vibrant flavor.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

This Tuscan Herb Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with a simple side of garlic bread or a light, crisp salad. For a more filling meal, serve it over pasta or alongside a creamy risotto. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may cook a bit quicker.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken moist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Tuscan Herb Chicken Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This way, it’ll be perfectly hot and ready for the bake. While that’s warming up, grab a large baking dish and drizzle a bit of olive oil on the bottom. Use a brush or a paper towel to spread it around evenly.

Lay your chicken breasts into the dish, giving them some space to breathe. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and your dried herbs: oregano, basil, and thyme. Trust me, this herb combo is what dreams are made of.

Now, let's get those veggies in there. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and onion slices around the chicken. Try to distribute them evenly so each bite has a little bit of everything.

Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top of the chicken and veggies. It's a small step but makes a big difference in flavor. Drizzle a little more olive oil over everything just to make sure it all roasts up nicely.

Now for the fun part: cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over the top. This will melt into a gooey, golden layer as it bakes.

Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes. This keeps the moisture in while the chicken cooks. After 25 minutes, take off the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden-bubbly cheese and fully cooked chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy prep with minimal cleanup.
  • Loaded with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
  • Perfectly seasoned with classic Italian herbs.
  • Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread to coat the bottom evenly.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme.
4. Arrange cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and onion around the chicken.
5. Sprinkle minced garlic over the vegetables and chicken.
6. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.

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