The Best Recipe for Your Lunch or Dinner! Easy, Quick, and Delicious
Looking for a simple yet satisfying meal for lunch or dinner? Look no further! This recipe is a game-changer, offering a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy a flavorful chicken dish that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken fillets
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper
- Italian herbs mixture
- 1 tomato
- 70g (2.5 oz) hard cheese
- 40g (1.5 oz) butter
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Make cuts in the chicken fillets, similar to the ones shown in the video, to help the seasoning penetrate the meat.
- Season the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, red pepper, and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs. Ensure both sides are evenly coated.
- Prepare the Tomato and Cheese Topping:
- Slice the tomato into thin rounds.
- Grate the hard cheese.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place the seasoned chicken fillets in a baking dish or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Top each chicken fillet with slices of tomato and a generous amount of grated cheese.
- Dot each chicken fillet with small pieces of butter for added richness and flavor.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Drizzle the chicken fillets with vegetable oil to help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top of the chicken fillets during the last 5-7 minutes of baking to create a golden and cheesy crust.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and the cheese is golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven.
- Serve the chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad, and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Chicken Variation: Feel free to use chicken breast or chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone would all work well in this recipe.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding additional vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the baking dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Create a herb-infused butter by melting the butter and mixing it with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme before dotting it over the chicken fillets.
- Grilled Version: If you prefer, you can grill the chicken fillets on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan instead of baking them in the oven for a smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I marinate the chicken in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken fillets in the seasoning mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor. Just be sure to cover the chicken well to prevent it from drying out.
- What can I serve with this dish? This chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. Choose your favorite accompaniments to complete the meal.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) when tested with a meat thermometer, and the juices run clear. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there is no pinkness and the juices are clear.
- Can I make a keto or low-carb version of this dish? Yes, you can make a keto or low-carb version by omitting the tomato and reducing the amount of cheese used. Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a delicious and satisfying meal that fits your dietary preferences.
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken fillets are recommended for this recipe for quicker cooking, you can use bone-in chicken pieces if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
This recipe for baked chicken with tomato and cheese topping is the ultimate solution for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner that the whole family will love. With its simple preparation and mouthwatering flavors, it’s a surefire way to satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with the option to customize the ingredients and make variations to suit your taste preferences, it’s a versatile dish that you can enjoy time and time again. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a delightful and satisfying meal today!