Why Make This Recipe
Baked Basil Chicken is a healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s packed with flavor from fresh basil, and the chicken comes out juicy and tender. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, pasta, or a simple salad.
How to Make Baked Basil Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 package (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 zucchini, finely grated or spiralized
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced small
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 6 to 8 small flour tortillas or whole wheat wraps
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
Directions:
- Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- If using ground meat, add it to the skillet with the aromatics. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- If using chicken breasts or thighs, dice them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Add them to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- For a plant-based option, cube your pressed tofu or add rinsed black beans to the sautéed aromatics, gently warming them through.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and finely grated zucchini into the skillet. If using frozen vegetables, add them now. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined and the tomato paste has dissolved into the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. For thicker sauces, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- While your sauce simmers, cook your pasta or rice according to package directions. For pasta, aim for al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly.
- Mix the cooked pasta or rice directly into the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure every strand or grain is coated.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy layer throughout the dish. Taste test and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Baked Basil Chicken
You can serve Baked Basil Chicken hot from the oven. It’s great on its own or with a side of rice or pasta. Consider adding a fresh salad or some garlic bread to round out your meal.
How to Store Baked Basil Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and try to consume it within 2 to 3 months.
Tips to Make Baked Basil Chicken
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil works in a pinch.
- Adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand; spinach or broccoli can be great additions.
- For extra creamy texture, consider adding a bit more cheese or a splash of cream before serving.
Variation
To make this dish a bit different, try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also switch up the protein, using fish or shrimp instead of chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it right before serving.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Absolutely! You can use tofu or legumes for a plant-based version, or try other meats like turkey or pork.
Baked Basil Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- If using ground meat, add it to the skillet with the aromatics and cook until browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- If using chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- For a plant-based option, cube your pressed tofu or add rinsed black beans to the sautéed aromatics, gently warming them through.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and finely grated zucchini, along with frozen vegetables if using. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir until well combined.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- While your sauce simmers, cook your pasta or rice according to package directions.
- Mix the cooked pasta or rice directly into the sauce and stir until coated.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
- Taste test and adjust seasonings before serving.