Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken with Classic Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Baked with a fragrant herb crust, served with a rich and tangy homemade tomato sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, fresh parsley, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the herb crust mixture. Pat dry 4 chicken breasts and coat each evenly with the herb mixture.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is fragrant and golden.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken bakes, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve the baked herb-crusted chicken breasts topped with the classic tomato sauce, garnishing with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken with Classic Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken with Classic Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken with Classic Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken with Classic Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken with Classic Tomato Sauce?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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