Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknights, this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is the answer! This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with melty mozzarella, and finished with fresh basil. It’s like a cozy, one-pan version of chicken parmesan, but with fewer steps and just as much flavor. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella is classic Italian comfort food, and the recipe comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal is sure to impress without requiring too much time or effort.

What makes this recipe so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is seared to perfection, creating a golden crust that locks in the juices. The tomato sauce is rich and savory, with the perfect amount of garlic and fresh herbs to enhance the flavors. Topping it off with mozzarella adds a creamy, indulgent touch, while fresh basil and a hint of balsamic vinegar bring brightness and balance. This is a versatile dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad, making it suitable for any occasion.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, along with tips on choosing the best ingredients, ideas for serving, and variations to make this recipe your own. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

One-Pan Wonder: The entire dish is cooked in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Classic Italian Flavors: Garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella create a deliciously comforting combination that everyone loves.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

Family-Friendly: This recipe is great for kids and adults alike, especially for anyone who loves Italian food.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Tomato Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (or 1 1/2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices fresh mozzarella)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For Serving:

• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps create a better sear when cooking.
2. Season: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well-coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken, as this will help develop a golden crust.
2. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally. If the pan seems dry, add a bit more olive oil.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes) to the skillet, along with the balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Optional Add-Ins: If you’re adding spinach or mushrooms, stir them into the sauce at this stage and cook until softened.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Add the Mozzarella

1. Add the Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over each chicken breast (or place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each one). Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Broiling Option: For an extra-golden, bubbly cheese topping, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the Garlic Tomato Chicken with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each serving. This dish is also delicious with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

This Garlic Tomato Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, penne, or linguine, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• With Rice: Serve with white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty Italian or sourdough bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic tomato sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• On Its Own: Enjoy as a protein-packed main dish with a side salad for a lighter option.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Mozzarella for Extra Creaminess: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish. If you prefer shredded cheese, use whole-milk mozzarella for the best melt.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing Step: Searing the chicken first creates a flavorful crust and helps lock in the juices, making the chicken tender and moist.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a mild flavor, omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or use a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Simmer for Flavor: Letting the chicken simmer in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together. Be patient, as this step makes a big difference in the depth of flavor.
5. Finish with Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of brightness that complements the garlic and tomatoes. If you don’t have basil, parsley works well too.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Tomato Chicken with Pesto: Add a dollop of basil pesto to the sauce for extra herbaceous flavor, or drizzle it over the mozzarella for a colorful twist.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Garlic Tomato Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach to the sauce for a veggie-packed version that’s just as delicious.
3. Creamy Garlic Tomato Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the tomato sauce for a richer, creamier sauce that’s similar to a tomato-cream pasta sauce.
4. Balsamic Glazed Garlic Tomato Chicken: Add an extra tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a deeper, tangier flavor that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella.
5. Low-Carb Garlic Tomato Chicken: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Special Equipment

• Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, as it retains heat well and can go from stovetop to oven if you choose to broil the cheese topping.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature, an instant-read thermometer is helpful.
• Garlic Press: For mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and are often juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative or skip the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version. The sauce will still be flavorful and delicious.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well. Use about 1 1/2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes. Cook them until they soften and release their juices.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to cook.

5. What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is the perfect recipe for anyone craving a delicious, comforting meal with Italian flavors. With juicy chicken, a garlicky tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella, this dish brings together all the flavors of a classic Italian meal in one easy skillet. The balance of flavors—from the rich, savory sauce to the creamy cheese and fresh basil—is sure to impress, whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Serve this dish with your favorite sides, and you have a complete, satisfying meal that’s as impressive as it is simple. It’s also customizable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for leftovers. Try this recipe next time you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort, and enjoy the delicious flavors of garlic, tomato, and mozzarella in every bite. Happy cooking!

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