Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken fillets with a rich tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken fillets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
• 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves
• 2 mozzarella balls, chopped
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by mincing the garlic, finely chopping the shallot, and cutting the mozzarella into cubes.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) if you plan to finish the dish in the oven.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil and butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep warm, covered with foil.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, simmer for 2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
7. Step 7: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Step 8: Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the canned cherry tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Step 9: Nestle the chicken fillets back into the sauce. Scatter chopped basil and mozzarella cubes over the top. Sprinkle with black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan.
10. Step 10: Let the dish simmer on the stove for 5 minutes until the mozzarella slightly melts and the flavors meld. Alternatively, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture, but feel free to substitute with shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• If you don’t have white wine, substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and tomato paste do not contain gluten additives.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Mozzarella may firm up when refrigerated, so stir occasionally while reheating to help it melt evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with Fontina, provolone, or a mild cheddar for different flavors, but mozzarella’s melting quality makes it ideal for this recipe.

Is it necessary to use an ovenproof skillet?

An ovenproof skillet allows you to finish the dish in the oven to melt the cheese and brown the top. If you don’t have one, you can simmer on the stove until the cheese melts, but the baked finish will be different.

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken fillets seasoned with aromatic spices, seared to perfection, and simmered in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. Topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and Parmesan, this recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy and tangy flavors, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 chicken fillets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
• 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves

Toppings

• 2 mozzarella balls, chopped into cubes
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prep: Mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and cut the mozzarella into cubes to prepare all ingredients before cooking.
2. Season: Season the chicken fillets on both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika to infuse flavor.
3. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) if you plan to finish the dish in the oven for a golden crust on the cheese.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken fillets and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked. Remove chicken and keep warm by covering with foil.
5. Cook Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Deglaze: Pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
8. Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine, then add the canned cherry or crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust salt as needed.
9. Add Basil and Cheese: Chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them into the sauce. Nestle the seared chicken fillets back into the tomato mixture. Top with cubed mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
10. Finish Cooking: Let the dish simmer on the stovetop for 5 minutes until the mozzarella begins to melt and flavors meld. Alternatively, transfer the ovenproof skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute cherry tomatoes with canned crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to finish the dish in the oven for a nicely browned cheese topping.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
• To reduce cooking time, consider flattening chicken fillets evenly before seasoning.

Keywords: Garlic Tomato Chicken, Mozzarella Chicken, One-Pan Chicken Dinner, Italian Chicken Recipe, Chicken with Tomato Sauce