Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering Tomato Basil Chicken Bake that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Take your time with each step, as building layers of flavor is key to the success of this dish.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your chicken is ready to be baked. Next, prepare your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels; this helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it’s crucial for flavorful chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and a golden crust has formed. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics: To the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean! Those browned bits are flavor), add the chopped yellow onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion has softened and become translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to cook out the raw taste of the tomato paste and deepens its flavor. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromas.
5. Create the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom – this is where a lot of the flavor lies. Bring the broth to a simmer. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Season and Simmer Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Remember that the chicken is already seasoned, so taste as you go. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water.
7. Assemble the Bake: Nestlé the seared chicken breasts back into the tomato sauce in the skillet. Try to submerge them partially in the sauce so they absorb all those lovely flavors while baking.
8. Add Cheese and Bake: Top each chicken breast with slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce.
9. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C), the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted, golden, and slightly browned in spots. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
10. Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the Tomato Basil Chicken Bake rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh basil chiffonade generously over the top. The heat from the dish will release the aroma of the fresh basil, making it even more enticing.