Oven-Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

 Instructions

1. Preheat oven

• Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F)
• Lightly grease a baking dish

2. Season & sear chicken

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat
• Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked)

This step locks in flavor before baking

3. Make the creamy sauce

• In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds
• Add diced tomatoes (with juice)
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese
• Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thick
• Add chili flakes (optional)

Cream + tomatoes create a rich, balanced sauce

4. Assemble

• Place chicken in baking dish
• Pour sauce over the chicken
• Sprinkle fresh basil on top

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes
• Chicken should be fully cooked (internal temp 75°C)

6. Serve

• Spoon extra sauce over chicken
• Garnish with more basil & Parmesan

Serving Ideas

• Pasta (best option )
• Rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Garlic bread

 Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor
• Fresh basil makes a BIG difference