Description

If you're looking for a recipe that's easy to prepare yet impressively delicious, these baked chicken breasts with mozzarella cheese and tomato are the perfect choice. This is one of those dishes that looks elaborate but is actually simple and quick to make. Combining the juiciness of the chicken with the melted, flavorful mozzarella cheese and the freshness of the tomato, you’ll have a meal that pleases all palates. Let’s prepare this delight together!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• Mozzarella cheese slices (to taste)
• 1 tomato

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1

  

  Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts on the top of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through the meat completely. These cuts not only help the chicken cook more evenly but also create perfect spaces for the filling we’ll add later. Set the chicken breasts aside.

• Step 2

  

  In a small bowl, pour two tablespoons of oil. The oil helps retain the chicken's moisture during cooking, giving it a juicier and more flavorful texture.
  

• Step 3

  

  Add one teaspoon of salt to the oil. Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the meat and the seasonings we will add.
  

• Step 4

  

  Add a teaspoon of paprika. Paprika adds color and a slight smoky flavor to the chicken, making it even more appetizing.
  

• Step 5

  

  Also, add a teaspoon of oregano, which brings a fresh, aromatic touch that complements the other ingredients.
  

• Step 6

  

  Mix all the ingredients in the bowl until you get a homogeneous marinade. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  

• Step 7

  

  Now, cut a few slices of mozzarella cheese. The thicker the slices, the more delicious the final result will be. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and seeps into the chicken cuts, ensuring an explosion of flavor in every bite.
  

• Step 8

  

  Also, slice one tomato. The tomato adds a touch of freshness and a slight acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese.
  

• Step 9

  

  Transfer the chicken breasts to a large baking dish. Make sure the dish is spacious enough for the chicken breasts to be comfortably distributed without being crowded.
  

• Step 10

  

  Using a kitchen brush or your hands, spread the mixture of oil, salt, paprika, and oregano over the chicken breasts, making sure that all the cuts and surfaces are well covered. This marinade will penetrate the meat, adding an extra layer of flavor and helping to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
  

• Step 11

  

  Next, place the mozzarella cheese slices into the cuts you made in the chicken breasts. This allows the cheese to melt directly into the meat, creating irresistible pockets of flavor.
  

• Step 12

  

  Now, insert the tomato slices into the same cuts, along with the cheese. This not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a vibrant look, with the red of the tomato contrasting with the white of the cheese and the golden-brown chicken.
  

• Step 13

  

  Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Celsius (480 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake for approximately 40 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook thoroughly, the cheese will melt, and the tomato will release its juices, creating a perfect combination of flavors.
  

• Step 14

  

  After 40 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven. Your chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy the sight of the melted and golden-brown cheese, the juicy tomatoes, and the perfectly baked chicken.
  

Tips and Conclusion

For an even richer experience, you can add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, over the chicken before serving. This will further elevate the dish's flavor and add a fresh touch that contrasts wonderfully with the warmth of the freshly baked chicken.

This baked chicken breasts with mozzarella and tomato recipe is a true testament to the fact that you can create a flavorful and visually appealing dish without complications. Whether for a family dinner or to impress your guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the combination of textures and flavors this recipe provides. Bon appétit!