If you’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, this Low Carb Tomato Basil Artichoke Baked Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. With its Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this meal combines the juicy tenderness of baked chicken with the tangy zest of artichokes, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the aromatic freshness of basil. As a bonus, it’s low-carb, making it an excellent choice for those following keto or other low-carb diets. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables.
- Simple to Make: Minimal prep time with easy-to-follow steps.
- Bursting with Flavor: A delightful combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Versatile: Serve it on its own or pair it with spinach, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and tools you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious baked chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.8 to 2 lbs total). If large, slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Salt and Italian Seasoning: To season the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon for greasing the baking dish.
- Artichoke Hearts: 14 oz, chopped. These add a tangy and slightly nutty flavor.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped. The key to that fresh Mediterranean taste.
- Roma Tomato: 1 tomato, chopped for a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic Cloves: 2 cloves, minced for aromatic depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup shredded for a sharp cheesy kick.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz sliced for that gooey, melty topping.
Optional Pairings
While this dish is fantastic on its own, consider serving it with:
- Sautéed spinach
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- A light side salad
Required Kitchen Tools
To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools:
- Casserole Dish (2.5-quart): Perfect for baking the chicken evenly.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the vegetable mixture.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To chop basil, tomatoes, and artichokes with ease.
- Oven Mitts: For safe handling of hot dishes.
- Basting Brush (Optional): To grease the pan evenly with butter.
Preparing the Low Carb Tomato Basil Artichoke Baked Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients and tools, it’s time to start preparing this flavorful dish. The steps are simple, and the result is a beautifully baked chicken that’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with Mediterranean goodness.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grease the bottom of your baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your 4 chicken breasts (or 2 large ones sliced horizontally) and season them generously on both sides with salt and Italian seasoning. The Italian seasoning brings out that classic Mediterranean aroma and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into your greased baking dish in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, uncovered. At this stage, the chicken won’t be fully cooked through, but don’t worry—we’ll continue baking it later with all the delicious toppings. Remove it from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the topping mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- 14 oz chopped artichoke hearts
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 chopped roma tomato
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture will serve as a flavorful topping for your partially baked chicken.
Assembling and Baking the Tomato Basil Artichoke Baked Chicken
Now that the chicken is partially baked and the topping mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble everything and finish baking this delightful dish. This step is where all the flavors come together to create a cheesy, aromatic masterpiece.
Step 5: Add the Topping Mixture
Take the prepared artichoke, basil, tomato, garlic, and parmesan mixture and evenly distribute it over the partially baked chicken breasts in the casserole dish. Make sure each piece of chicken is generously covered with this flavorful topping—it’s what gives this dish its signature Mediterranean taste.
Step 6: Top with Fresh Mozzarella
Next, layer 8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese slices on top of the vegetable mixture. The mozzarella will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey and creamy layer that ties all the ingredients together. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add a little extra for an even cheesier finish.
Step 7: Continue Baking
Place the assembled dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes at 375°F, uncovered. This step ensures that the chicken cooks through completely while allowing the cheese to melt and slightly brown on top.
For an extra golden-brown finish, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it during broiling to avoid burning.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once fully baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
You can serve this dish as is or pair it with your favorite low-carb sides like sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice. Don’t forget to drizzle some of those delicious pan juices over your chicken or sides for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a keto diet! It’s low in carbs and high in protein, with healthy fats from the cheese and butter. Pair it with sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can partially prepare this dish by seasoning the chicken and assembling the vegetable mixture in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
4. What can I substitute for artichoke hearts?
If you’re not a fan of artichokes, you can substitute them with chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even asparagus for a similar texture and flavor profile.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the chicken’s moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Tomato Basil Artichoke Baked Chicken is not just a meal—it’s an experience that brings together simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The juicy chicken breasts, topped with a medley of artichokes, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and melted cheeses, offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a healthy yet indulgent dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its versatility allows you to pair it with various sides or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying main course.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece tonight!
