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Oven Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Oven Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich tomato cream sauce, fresh basil, garlic, and melted cheese. It is the kind of recipe that looks elegant on the table but is simple enough to prepare at home with everyday ingredients. The chicken is first seasoned, then baked in a creamy tomato sauce until juicy and full of flavor. The result is a warm, creamy, slightly tangy, and aromatic dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or even small gatherings. The oven does most of the work, while the sauce brings everything together with a restaurant-style taste.

Ingredients

To make Oven Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, you will need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
½ teaspoon sugar, optional, to balance acidity
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Extra basil leaves for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 190°C or 375°F. While the oven heats, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better and allows the chicken to bake evenly.

Place the chicken breasts on a plate or cutting board. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub the spices gently into the chicken so each piece is well coated. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can lightly pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook faster and stay juicy.

Step 2: Lightly Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The goal is not to fully cook the chicken at this stage. You only want to create a light golden surface, which adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist while baking.

Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Set it aside while you prepare the creamy tomato basil sauce.