This Italian chicken dish is warm, comforting, and full of rich tomato flavour. The chicken turns soft and tender, while the herbs add a fresh and fragrant taste. The sauce is thick and slightly glossy, with a light golden finish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
The recipe is easy to follow, so it is perfect for a quick meal during the week. At the same time, it is nice enough to serve when you have guests. It takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a filling and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Topping
- 100g mozzarella, sliced
- 25g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 400g chopped tomatoes (tinned)
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 100ml chicken stock
How to Make Mary Berry Italian Chicken Recipe Recipe
- Prepare the oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan). Place the shelf in the middle so the chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts nicely. - Season the chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with a little olive oil. Add salt and black pepper, making sure both sides are well seasoned. - Sear the chicken:
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Then move it to a baking dish. - Make the sauce:
In the same pan, cook the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, sugar, and stock. Stir everything well. - Simmer the sauce:
Let the sauce cook gently for about 10 minutes until it becomes slightly thick and full of flavour. - Assemble the dish:
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Make sure all the pieces are well covered with sauce. - Add the topping:
Place slices of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle some Parmesan over it for extra flavour. - Bake:
Put the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the cheese should be melted and lightly golden on top. - Rest and serve:
Take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Add some fresh basil on top before serving for a fresh touch.
Tips
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Try not to overcook the chicken. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking so it stays soft and juicy. Searing it first also helps keep the moisture inside.
Can I make the sauce richer?
Yes, you can add a little cream or a small piece of butter at the end. This will make the sauce smoother and more rich.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is great because it melts nicely. Parmesan adds a stronger, slightly salty flavour. Using both together gives the best result.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, you can put the whole dish together a day before and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready, just bake it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with soft, buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal
- Add steamed green beans or broccoli for a fresh side
- Enjoy with warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce
- Pair with a simple green salad for a light and balanced plate
Storage
Room Temperature
Keep the dish covered and do not leave it out for more than 2 hours before putting it in the fridge.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat well before serving so it is fully hot.
Freezing
You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot all the way through.
Nutrition
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 38g
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used by the my viewers.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work very well. They stay juicy and full of flavour. You may need to cook them a little longer if needed.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of chilli flakes or a chopped fresh chilli to the sauce if you like some heat.
What can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use cheddar or provolone instead. The texture will be a bit different, but it will still taste good.
Can I cook this on the hob only?
Yes, you can cook everything on the hob and let the chicken finish in the sauce. However, baking gives a better result, especially for the melted cheese on top.
