Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts paired with sweet, smoky roasted cherry tomatoes create a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. This simple hands-free recipe delivers tender chicken, caramelized tomatoes, and a deliciously fragrant herb finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
• Simple pantry spices create bold Mediterranean flavor
• Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes
• Filleted chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly
• Perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests
• Naturally low-carb and high in protein
• Minimal prep and easy cleanup
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the tomatoes
3 cups cherry tomatoes (about 450 g)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the chicken by laying each breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the middle to create two thinner fillets. Repeat with the second breast. Lightly pound the fillets to an even thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, herbes de Provence, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken fillets and turn to coat evenly in the marinade.
4. In a separate large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, herbes de Provence, salt, and brown sugar. Toss well to coat.
5. Arrange the chicken fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the seasoned tomatoes around and between the chicken pieces.
6. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the tomatoes have softened and begun to blacken slightly.
7. Remove from the oven. Spoon the roasted tomato juices over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 217 kcal per serving

Variations

Add mozzarella
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken during the last 3 minutes of baking for a melty finish.

Make it spicy
Add ¼ teaspoon chili flakes to the tomato mixture for gentle heat.

Use different herbs
Swap herbes de Provence with Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and thyme.

Add vegetables
Include sliced zucchini or red onion in the roasting pan for a fuller meal.

Air fryer method
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken and tomatoes in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Spoon extra tomato juices over the chicken to keep it moist.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Why add brown sugar to the chicken?

It helps retain moisture and promotes caramelization, enhancing flavor and color without making the dish sweet.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well. Increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Do I have to fillet the chicken breasts?

Filleting ensures quicker, even cooking, but you can use whole breasts and bake a few minutes longer.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, grape tomatoes are a perfect substitute and roast beautifully.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with crusty bread, rice, couscous, or a crisp green salad.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and season the tomatoes a few hours ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always verify packaged ingredients to be sure.

Can I reduce the oil?

Yes, you may slightly reduce the olive oil, but it helps the tomatoes roast and prevents drying.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Simply omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect balance of simplicity and bold Mediterranean flavor. Tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with sweet roasted tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed dinner with friends, this effortless oven-baked dish delivers fresh flavor in every bite.

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