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)/gas mark 6. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally, not slicing all the way through, then open them out like a book. Season well with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat half the olive oil in an ovenproof frying pan or a shallow casserole dish. Fry the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.

Step 3: Spoon the passata evenly over the chicken, then nestle the cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken.

Step 4: Lay the slices of mozzarella evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.

Step 5: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with the remaining olive oil, crushed garlic, and dried oregano until well coated.

Step 6: Scatter the garlic-coated bread cubes over the chicken and tomatoes in the pan.

Step 7: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 8: Remove from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, and serve immediately with a green salad.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella if you prefer a creamier texture, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess moisture.

Try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes to the croutons for a spicy kick.

If you don’t have passata, substitute with a good-quality canned crushed tomatoes.

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the juices run clear. The cheese should be melted and bubbling, and the tomatoes softened.