Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a spectacular feast that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Portuguese-inspired baked chicken recipe with ham, tomatoes, and fresh basil is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Portugal directly to your dining table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden color.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This will help to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture.
- After searing, remove the skillet from the heat. Lay a slice of ham over each chicken breast, followed by slices of fresh tomatoes. The ham adds a savory flavor, while the tomatoes provide moisture.
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top of the tomatoes. The basil will infuse the dish with a delightful aroma and taste.
- Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
- To serve, plate the chicken breasts along with the ham and tomato topping. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious peito de frango no forno com presunto, tomate e manjerico with a side of your choice, such as rice or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients, especially the basil leaves, to maximize flavor intensity.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—75°C (165°F) is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Choose high-quality ham for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.
- For a crispy top, you can briefly broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs if fresh basil isn't available—oregano or thyme work wonderfully too.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
