Baked Marinated Chicken with Tomatoes & Cheese

 

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 3 chicken breasts
• 1 red onion (sliced)
• 3 tomatoes (sliced into rounds)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (to taste)

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For the Marinade:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Take the chicken breasts and make shallow cuts on the surface (do not cut too deep).
2. This helps the marinade penetrate better and keeps the chicken juicy.

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Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a bowl, add:
   • Olive oil
   • Soy sauce
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Oregano
   • Rosemary
   • Brown sugar
   • Minced garlic
2. Mix well until everything is fully combined.

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Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the chicken breasts into the marinade.
2. Coat them thoroughly on all sides.
3. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

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Step 4: Prepare the Base

1. Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C).
2. In a baking dish:
   • Spread sliced red onions evenly at the bottom.
   • Layer sliced tomatoes on top of the onions.

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Step 5: Assemble

1. Place the marinated chicken breasts over the onion and tomato layer.
2. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.

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Step 6: First Bake

1. Place the dish in the oven.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.

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Step 7: Add Cheese

1. Remove from oven.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the chicken.

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Step 8: Final Bake

1. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes
   • Until cheese melts and turns slightly golden.

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Step 9: Serve

1. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Plate and serve hot.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with rice, pasta, or garlic bread
• Add a fresh salad on the side
• Spoon the baked juices over the chicken for extra flavor

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💡 Tips

• Don’t skip marination—it’s the key to flavor.
• You can add chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Use fresh herbs for even better aroma.
• Cover with foil during first bake if you want extra juicy chicken.