Baked chicken breast with scamorza
- Energy Kcal 390
- Carbohydrates g 12.7
- of which sugars g 7.1
- Protein g 51.1
- Fats g 15
- of which saturated fat g 4.81
- Fiber g 2.1
- Cholesterol mg 133
- Sodium mg 760
- Difficulty: Average
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 45 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Average
PRESENTATION
If you're craving a taste of Southern Italy, this baked chicken breast with scamorza cheese is a must-try. I mean, really. Known for its simple yet flavorful profile, this dish captures the core of Italian cooking. Pretty much. The mild chicken breast absorbs the smoky and cheesy goodness of scamorza, a cheese often used in Southern Italian kitchens. The result? Super super tasty.
Coated with a light, aromatic breading, the chicken turns crispy and golden in the oven while remaining tender inside. So so tender. Unlike heavier recipes like fried or stuffed chicken, this version keeps things light but just as flavorful. The neutral taste of chicken acts as a perfect base for the rich flavors of smoked cheese and herbs nestled in the breading. Really good stuff.
Plus, accompanying the chicken are juicy Italian datterini cherry tomatoes. They add a sweet and refreshing bite to the meal. Seriously good. These tomatoes are simply placed on the plate, letting their own moist flavor complement the richer, oven-baked chicken without overpowering it. And look, you won't find bold spices here; instead, it's all about those classic Italian touches that let the cheese and chicken shine.
While some might experiment by adding citrus, curry, or yogurt for variety, this version stays true to its roots with oven-baked chicken and the unmistakable flavor of scamorza cheese. It's perfect for those seeking an easy baked chicken recipe that feels a bit special—thanks to its Italian ingredients and comforting style. Whether you're new to Italian chicken dishes or just want a break from the usual, this meal is simple to prepare and consistently turns out tender and flavorful. Can't go wrong. It's a go-to dish for anyone who loves the combination of cheese and chicken, capturing the spirit of Southern Italy in every bite.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Chicken breast 1.8 lbs (800 g) - whole
- Smoked scamorza cheese 2.8 oz (80 g)
- Datterino tomatoes 1 lb (450 g)
- Breadcrumbs 4 tbsp (30 g)
- Sage 4 leaves
- Rosemary 2 sprigs
- Thyme 3 sprigs
- Orange juice 1
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Fine salt 1 tsp (5 g)
- Black pepper to taste
- Oregano to taste - fresh
How to prepare Baked chicken breast with scamorza
To make the oven-baked chicken breast with scamorza, start by removing the fattier parts of the chicken and the central cartilage 1. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then cut them in half 2. Squeeze the juice from the orange 3 and set it aside.
Finely chop the sage, rosemary, and thyme 4, then add them to the breadcrumbs 5. Add salt 6, pepper, and mix to flavor the breadcrumb coating.
Pour the olive oil into a pan ensuring it's suitable for oven cooking 7, heat on the stove and then place the chicken breast 8 and let it brown for 4 minutes on each side 9.
At this point, flavor with the orange juice and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Cover the breast with the herb-flavored breadcrumb coating 11, making sure to distribute it evenly over the meat 12.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes 13 and fresh oregano 14 to the pan. Now place the chicken in a preheated static oven at 356°F for 25 minutes, make sure your pan is suitable for oven use otherwise use a baking dish. Meanwhile, cut the scamorza into thin slices 15;
after the first 15 minutes, remove the chicken and baste it with the cooking juices, then return it to the oven. After the 25 minutes, turn on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes to brown the top of the chicken 16. Now take the pan out of the oven, place the scamorza slices on top of the chicken 17, and put it back in the oven to melt for another 2 minutes to achieve a bubbling effect. The oven-baked chicken breast with scamorza is now ready to be served 18!