Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is that magical midweek meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian trattoria, but comes together with stunning ease in just about 30 minutes. Tender chicken fillets cozy up in a garlicky, herby tomato sauce, then get showered in fresh basil and oozy mozzarella. It’s comforting, vibrant, and so beautifully simple—the ultimate one-skillet wonder when you crave big flavors without the fuss. Whether you spoon it over pasta or scoop it up with toasted bread, there’s a reason Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is bound to become your next obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in how a handful of simple, honest ingredients come together to create something utterly irresistible. Each component adds its own layer to the Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella experience, from the tender chicken to the lush, cheesy sauce.

• Chicken fillets: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and quicker cooking.
• Salt: Don’t be shy—seasoning throughout brings out all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle warmth and depth.
• Garlic powder: Doubles down on garlicky goodness to infuse your chicken with flavor.
• Sweet paprika: A dash gives the chicken a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
• Olive oil: Use extra-virgin for a lush, peppery base to sauté the chicken.
• Unsalted butter: Balances out the olive oil for richer flavor.
• Shallot, finely chopped: Milder than onion, shallots elegantly sweeten the sauce.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for the sauce—go big or go home!
• Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio): Adds acidity and complexity; the alcohol cooks off, leaving rich flavor behind.
• Dried basil: Reinforces the herbaceous notes and aroma.
• Tomato paste: Intense, concentrated tomato flavor thickens the sauce perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Lends body to the sauce and lets all the flavors meld.
• Canned cherry tomatoes (or crushed): Choose cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Chopped basil leaves: Fresh basil lifts everything up and adds a burst of green.
• Mozzarella balls, chopped: Fresh mozzarella—as melty and creamy as it gets!
• Grated Parmesan: For a nutty, salty, umami-defining finish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but just a sprinkle takes things from good to “wow!”

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get organized from the get-go: finely chop your shallot, mince the garlic, and cut the mozzarella into cubes. This makes the dish come together quickly and ensures every bite of your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is perfectly seasoned and cheesy.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place your chicken fillets on a cutting board and sprinkle both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. This simple seasoning locks juicy flavor into the chicken and gives it that signature, mouthwatering color as it cooks.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet (ovenproof, if you have it!), heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm—don’t wipe out the skillet, because those browned bits are pure flavor gold.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Garlic Sauce

To the same skillet, add your minced garlic and shallot, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and use your spoon to scrape up every last caramelized bit from the bottom—this is where the magic starts for that robust Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute, letting the flavors wake up.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the canned cherry tomatoes (with their juices) and bring the mixture to a bubbling simmer. Let it reduce and deepen for about 5 minutes, tasting and adjusting salt if needed. Fresh basil gets chopped while the sauce thickens, setting the stage for that final flourish.

Step 6: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

Nestle the seared chicken fillets back into the tomato sauce, tucking them in between the plump tomatoes. Scatter over the chopped basil and mozzarella cubes, then sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is deliciously melty and the chicken soaks up all those saucy flavors. For extra golden, bubbly goodness, slide the skillet into a 200 °C/400 °F oven for 10 minutes if your skillet is oven-safe.

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garnishes

Finish your plate with more fresh basil leaves and a scatter of extra grated Parmesan. If you love a touch of heat, another pinch of red pepper flakes brings the Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella to life and adds a vibrant pop of color.

Side Dishes

This saucy chicken begs for something to soak up every last drop. Serve over your favorite pasta (linguine or penne work wonders), or try ladling it onto toasted ciabatta slices. For a lighter touch, add a crisp green salad tossed with a zingy vinaigrette and perhaps a side of garlicky green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive (but secretly effortless) dinner, serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella in the skillet, family-style, with crusty bread on the side. Or plate individually, spooning extra sauce and melting mozzarella over each chicken fillet. Leftovers even work beautifully in warm sandwiches or atop a bowl of creamy polenta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners or next-day lunches an absolute breeze.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely, and use freezer-safe containers. The mozzarella may change texture slightly, but the flavors remain fantastic.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving also works well for single portions, just cover loosely and reheat in 30-second bursts to keep the chicken tender and cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and richness to Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella. Just adjust cook time as needed, since thighs may take a couple extra minutes to cook through.

What if I don’t have an ovenproof skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply finish the dish on the stovetop by letting the cheese melt and the sauce bubble gently. You’ll still get delicious results!

Can I use another cheese instead of mozzarella?

Feel free to experiment—try provolone for extra stretch or a dollop of ricotta for creaminess. Classic mozzarella gives that beloved, gooey factor, but the recipe is flexible if you want to play.

Is the wine necessary in the sauce?

A splash of wine adds fabulous depth, but you can skip it if you prefer—just substitute with more chicken broth or even a bit of water and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook the fillets during the searing step, and be sure to nestle them into the sauce to finish. The moisture-rich tomato sauce and melty mozzarella naturally keep everything juicy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting meal with joyful Italian flavors and a no-fuss attitude, you’ll love Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella. With its hearty tomato sauce, melty cheese, and a dash of fresh basil, this easy dish brings everyone together around the table. Grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself tonight!

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