Tomato Baked Chicken

Juicy, tender chicken baked in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with herbs—simple, flavorful, and perfect with crusty bread or pasta!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts/drumsticks)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt & pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat.

2. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 mins until golden. Flip and sear 2–3 mins. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft (3 mins), then add garlic and cook 30 secs until fragrant.

2. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer 5 mins.

4. Bake

1. Nestle chicken back into the sauce, skin-side up.

2. Bake uncovered 25–30 mins until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

5. Serve

1. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan.

2. Spoon extra sauce over the top and serve with:

   • Crusty bread (for dipping)

   • Mashed potatoes or pasta

Tips & Variations

🍅 Extra creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
🧀 Cheesy twist: Top with mozzarella and broil 2 mins before serving.
🌿 Fresh herbs: Swap dried herbs for 2 tbsp fresh basil or rosemary.

Juicy, saucy, and packed with flavor! 🍗🔥 Serves 4.