Dinner

Chicken Bake with Garlic Croutons Recipe

ByJack Voss November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

This chicken bake with garlic croutons is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and crunchy, flavorful croutons. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s packed with fresh herbs and rich flavors that everyone will enjoy.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of thick red tomato sauce, topped with bright red cherry tomatoes scattered evenly. On top of the tomatoes, there are melted white cheese slices partially covered by crunchy, golden-brown bread cubes spread irregularly. Fresh green basil leaves are placed lightly on top of the bread and cheese, adding a touch of color contrast. The bowl is set on a white marbled background with a light wooden textured board below it, and a shiny silver spoon with a bit of tomato sauce rests nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
200g passata
250g cherry tomatoes
125g ball reduced-fat mozzarella, drained and sliced
3 thick slices of sourdough or bloomer, cut into 2cm cubes
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Pinch of dried oregano
½ small bunch of basil, leaves picked
Green salad, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan or gas mark 6). Slice each chicken breast halfway through and open like a book. Season well with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat half the olive oil in an ovenproof frying pan or shallow casserole dish. Fry the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
Step 3: Spoon the passata evenly over the chicken. Nestle the cherry tomatoes around the dish and lay the mozzarella slices on top.
Step 4: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with the remaining olive oil, crushed garlic, and dried oregano. Scatter the garlic croutons over the chicken and tomatoes.
Step 5: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the mozzarella has melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top, and serve with a green salad.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella if possible for a creamier texture, or substitute with another mild cheese like provolone.
Add red pepper flakes to the croutons for a spicy kick.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the croutons crisp. Avoid microwaving as it may make the croutons soggy.