Here's a healthy and fun chicken dish that will please the family!
Remember when I wrote that blog post about 8 Chicken Dishes That Won't Bore You? Well, guess what? I should probably change that to nine, as this chicken dish falls easily into that category. If you guys ask for one thing {besides meal planning posts} it is how to spice up chicken and not die from boredom when eating it.
I hear ya.
I was gone most of last week, then the hubs and I attended a Carrie Underwood concert, then we spent a day with his family and now finally we are home.
Which means I finally cooked something. And by cooked I mean I used the oven and did not just slap together a ham sandwich for the kids. Ahem, which happened two nights in a row and I am not ashamed.
I've come to the conclusion that grabbing 4-5 ingredients and smothering those ingredients on top of chicken breasts and baking it all off in the oven, usually ends up a pretty good dish.
I've done it with my Italian Chicken Florentine and my Simple Oven Roasted Chicken. Heck, even my One Dish Baked Chicken Parmesan kinda fits the bill. My point here is it doesn't take much to dress up "the bird". Bake it plain and you'll be choking it down with a glass full of water {or wine}, but add flavorful ingredients {fresh veggies, herbs, cheese, etc.} and more often than not it will put a big 'ol smile on your face.
That is what happened with this recipe. I had fresh grape tomatoes on hand, along with basil leaves as big as my black lab's ears from my garden, plus a jar of marinated artichokes in the cupboard. It was pretty much a no-brainer to bring these three ingredients together, right?
This smells amazing while baking! It is perfect by itself along side a salad, but also pairs well with a bit of pasta or a side of garlic bread. It all depends on how healthy one wants to make it.
I served it with salad...as I'm trying to more closely monitor my calorie intake {any other My Fitness Pal app freaks out there like me?}, but honestly eating it just by itself is wonderful too.
And yes, I added a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese...just for that tangy bite. What is a baked chicken dish without cheese?
It's like reading the Bible but it never mentioning Jesus.
Sinful.
Tomato Basil Artichoke Chicken Bake
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 c. grape tomatoes, halved, lengthwise
1 small jar marinated artichokes, chopped
1 c. basil leaves, chopped
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 t. Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Lay the chicken breasts in the pan and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bake the chicken for 15 minutes.
3. In a bowl combine the cheese, tomatoes, artichokes and basil, tossing to combine.
4. Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the cheese/tomato/artichoke mixture over the chicken and bake another 25 minutes.
5. Serve warm with a salad, pasta or garlic bread.
