Baked Chicken With Crispy Parmesan and Tomatoes

Step 1

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Slice the tomatoes in half crosswise and place in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish along with garlic, thyme and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Season chicken with salt and pepper and nestle into baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until chicken is about halfway cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and grate Parmesan over chicken.

Step 3

Return to oven and continue to bake until chicken is cooked through, tomatoes are starting to caramelize and Parmesan is browned and crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes more.

Step 4

Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley or basil before serving, if desired, and garnish with shavings of Parmesan.