Chicken:

• 4 small chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, thin or pounded out: Chicken breasts are the star of the show, providing lean protein that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Using smaller, thinner breasts or pounding thicker ones to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking and ensuring they remain tender and juicy. Thinner chicken cooks faster and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and sauce more effectively. You can opt for organic, free-range chicken for potentially higher quality and flavor, but conventional chicken breasts will work just as well and are budget-friendly. If you only have larger chicken breasts, simply slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a foundational savory depth to the chicken. Its slightly pungent and sweet flavor enhances the overall taste profile without being overpowering. While fresh garlic is fantastic, garlic powder is a convenient and shelf-stable option that distributes evenly over the chicken. Ensure your garlic powder is fresh for the best flavor; older spices can lose their potency.
• 1 tbsp onion powder: Onion powder complements the garlic powder beautifully, contributing a mild, sweet, and slightly pungent onion flavor. It rounds out the savory notes and adds complexity to the seasoning blend. Like garlic powder, onion powder is a pantry staple that provides consistent flavor and is easy to use.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: This is where the classic Italian flavors truly come alive. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It provides a warm, aromatic, and herbaceous layer to the chicken, perfectly complementing the tomato sauce and mozzarella. You can find pre-made Italian seasoning blends in most grocery stores. For a fresher flavor, you can also create your own blend using individual dried herbs, adjusting the ratios to your preference.
• Salt & black pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are the essential flavor enhancers in any recipe. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice. Use kosher salt or sea salt for a cleaner flavor, and freshly ground black pepper for a more robust aroma and taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – chicken breasts can be bland on their own, so generous seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil serves multiple purposes in this recipe. It helps to distribute the seasonings evenly over the chicken, adds moisture, and contributes to browning during baking. Extra virgin olive oil not only offers a rich, fruity flavor but also provides healthy fats. If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, you can substitute it with another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or canola oil.

Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can chopped tomatoes (16 oz): Canned chopped tomatoes form the base of the flavorful tomato sauce. They are convenient, affordable, and offer consistent quality and flavor year-round. Choose good quality canned tomatoes for the best results. Diced tomatoes work well, but you can also use crushed tomatoes or even whole peeled tomatoes and break them down with a spoon or your hands before adding them to the sauce. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth to the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for a vibrant and aromatic tomato sauce. Minced garlic releases its pungent and savory flavor, infusing the sauce with depth and complexity. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it cooks evenly and releases its flavor throughout the sauce. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Red onion adds a mild sweetness and a slight sharpness to the tomato sauce. When cooked, red onion becomes tender and mellows in flavor, contributing to the overall richness of the sauce. Finely chopping the onion ensures it cooks through quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce. If you don’t have red onion, you can substitute it with yellow or white onion.
• 2 tsp oregano: Dried oregano is a classic Italian herb that adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor to the tomato sauce. It complements the tomatoes, garlic, and onion beautifully, enhancing the overall Italian-inspired taste profile. If you have fresh oregano, you can use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano instead of dried.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Just like with the chicken, salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning the tomato sauce. They balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients. Season the sauce generously to ensure it’s flavorful and complements the chicken perfectly.

Topping & Garnish:

• 1 cup grated mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese is the quintessential Italian cheese for baking. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Grated mozzarella melts more evenly than sliced mozzarella. You can use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella depending on your preference. Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while whole milk mozzarella offers a richer, creamier flavor and melt. Fresh mozzarella, while delicious, tends to release more moisture and might make the bake slightly watery, so low-moisture mozzarella is generally preferred for baking.
• A few basil leaves, chopped for garnish: Fresh basil adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, peppery, and slightly sweet aroma to the finished dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates the presentation and flavor. Chop the basil leaves just before serving to prevent them from browning. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use a sprinkle of dried basil or parsley for garnish, although fresh basil is highly recommended for its superior flavor and aroma.