Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

This baked chicken and cherry tomato recipe is a simple, satisfying dinner made in just one pan. It pairs tender, juicy chicken breasts with sweet tomatoes that burst in the oven, creating their own simple sauce.

With only about 10 minutes of prep time, it’s a great option for any night of the week. The oven does most of the work, leaving you with a delicious meal that’s easy to clean up.

Why will you love Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes?

Baking under parchment paper steams the chicken gently, ensuring it stays moist and tender.

Roasting cherry tomatoes concentrates their sweetness and makes them release their juices, creating a light, flavorful pan sauce.

Using a simple mix of dried herbs and fresh garlic gives the dish a lot of flavor with minimal effort.

Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes work just as well. If you have larger tomatoes, you can cut them in half.

• Herbs: Feel free to add other dried herbs like thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

• Butter: The butter adds richness and helps brown the chicken. For a dairy-free option, you can use a drizzle of olive oil instead.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First, preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish. Pat the chicken breasts dry so the seasonings stick better. Rub them with minced garlic and the dried herbs for an even coating of flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Pan

Arrange the seasoned chicken in your baking dish. Toss the cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil and salt before scattering them around the chicken. This helps them roast nicely.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender

Top each piece of chicken with a small piece of butter, then cover the whole dish with parchment paper. Bake until a thermometer confirms the chicken has reached a safe temperature. Let it rest for a few minutes before you serve it.

What to Serve with Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

This dish is wonderful served over rice, couscous, or pasta to soak up the pan juices. A simple green salad on the side completes the meal.

Helpful Tricks for Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Food Safety: Always cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.

Chicken Size: Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thinner cutlets will cook faster.

Don’t Skip the Parchment: The parchment paper traps steam, which helps keep the chicken very moist as it bakes.

Pan Juices: The tomatoes and chicken will release juices as they cook. Spoon this flavorful liquid over the chicken when serving.

How to Store and Freeze Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the tomatoes will change.

Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice. They are naturally juicier and may need about 5-10 minutes longer in the oven. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

My chicken came out dry. What did I do wrong?

Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C). Also, ensure you’re using the parchment paper cover, as this helps trap moisture.

Can I add other vegetables to the pan?

Certainly. Sliced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini would be nice additions. Add them to the pan with the tomatoes. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the ingredients to steam instead of roast.

Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Tender chicken breasts are baked with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes and simple herbs for an easy weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ½ lbs / 680g total
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes about 2 cups / 300g
• 1 tbsp olive oil 15ml
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces, 30g

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with the minced garlic, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
• In a small bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with the olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Scatter the tomatoes in the dish around the chicken.
• Place a piece of butter on top of each chicken breast.
• Cover the dish snugly with a piece of parchment paper, tucking the sides in.
• Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
• For a browner top, you can remove the parchment paper for the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the juicy tomatoes and pan juices over the chicken.

Notes

Food Safety: Always cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.

Chicken Size: Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thinner cutlets will cook faster.

Don't Skip the Parchment: The parchment paper traps steam, which helps keep the chicken very moist as it bakes.

Pan Juices: The tomatoes and chicken will release juices as they cook. Spoon this flavorful liquid over the chicken when serving.

Keyword baked chicken, Chicken, chicken cherry tomato, easy dinner, One Pan