Easy Mozzarella Chicken (Low Carb Chicken Parmesan) Recipe
This Easy Mozzarella Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce with fire-roasted peppers and melted mozzarella cheese. A low-carb twist on classic chicken parmesan, it’s seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then topped with bubbly, golden mozzarella cheese for a comforting and wholesome meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5-ounce breasts each)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch salt, to season
- 1 pinch black pepper, to season
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 fire roasted pepper (fire roasted capsicum), chopped
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree/passata)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (preferably garlic and herb flavored)
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until transparent, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken to infuse flavor. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the fire roasted pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Assemble and Broil: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce in the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish. Top each breast with 2 to 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, low-carb mozzarella chicken.
Notes
- Using fire-roasted peppers adds a smoky depth to the sauce, but you can substitute with roasted red bell peppers if preferred.
- Broiling times may vary by oven, so stay close to avoid burning the cheese.
- This recipe works well served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking or pound them lightly if needed.