By Alex Harrington 
For a delightful family meal that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the comfort of a baked dish, try this Chicken with Italian Flavorings recipe. It’s perfect for a family of five and offers a burst of flavors with every bite. Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying something new, this recipe is simple yet delicious.
Ingredients
– 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
– 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
– 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
– 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 3/4 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives
– 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
Advice
For best results, ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly to allow even cooking. Using fresh ground black pepper can enhance the flavor further.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) so it’s ready when you start assembling your dish.
Prepare the Tomato Base
Spread half of the crushed tomatoes along the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season this base with:
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Stir it well to ensure the spices are distributed evenly with the tomatoes.
Layer the Chicken
Arrange the pounded chicken breasts over the tomato mixture. Season the chicken with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and the freshly ground black pepper.
Add Tomato and Vinegar Layer
Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes over the chicken and drizzle with balsamic vinegar to add a layer of tangy sweetness.
Final Seasoning and Cheese
Sprinkle the rest of the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning over the dish. Then, cover it all with the shredded Italian blend cheese, ensuring even coverage.
Add Toppings
Scatter the sliced pepperoni, black olives, and diced green bell pepper evenly over the top. These toppings give the dish its final burst of color and flavor.
Bake the Dish
Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and melted, and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This should take around 20 minutes.
With just a few simple steps, this Chicken with Italian Flavorings dish will be a family favorite. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread. Enjoy your meal!
Gary