Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 4 breasts, 8 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack to the upper third section to ensure even baking.
- Season Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts side-by-side in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, dry white wine, double concentrated tomato paste, cornstarch, dried oregano, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Check earlier if your chicken breasts are thinner, as oven temperatures vary.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil over the chicken, placing most of the basil on top of the chicken breasts. Stir the sauce gently and spoon it over the chicken to coat well.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use double concentrated tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor; if unavailable, regular tomato paste can be used but the sauce may be less intense.
- Heavy whipping cream is key for the creamy texture; you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth or white grape juice.
- Make sure to check chicken doneness early to avoid overcooking as thickness varies between breasts.
- Fresh basil is best for garnish; dried basil can be used in the sauce if desired but add only half the amount due to more potent flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free