Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s satisfying and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon more for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken breasts without overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
7. Step 7: Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Step 8: Transfer seared chicken to the skillet with the tomato sauce, nestling it so it’s mostly submerged.
9. Step 9: Lower heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Step 10: Remove lid and arrange mozzarella slices evenly over the chicken breasts.
11. Step 11: Cover again and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Alternatively, briefly broil, watching closely to prevent burning.
12. Step 12: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if using, over the top.
13. Step 13: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the seasoning for a stronger garlic taste.
• Swap fresh mozzarella for burrata or provolone for different textures.
• Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for depth.
• For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, add fresh mozzarella when serving rather than reheating with cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before starting the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and season the chicken ahead. Store separately and assemble just before cooking to keep the chicken tender and fresh.

Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs, then topped with melted fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Toppings

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Lower heat to low and simmer the tomato sauce for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Sear the Chicken: In a separate large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts carefully, avoiding overcrowding, and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Transfer to Sauce: Move the seared chicken breasts into the skillet with the simmered tomato sauce, nestling them so they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
8. Simmer in Sauce: Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Add the Mozzarella: Remove the lid and arrange fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the chicken breasts.
10. Melt the Cheese: Cover again and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, briefly broil the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
12. Serve Immediately: Serve the dish hot over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level or omit for a milder dish.
• Simmering the sauce longer enhances depth of flavor.
• If mozzarella slices are thick, consider slicing thinner for quicker melting.
• The dish pairs well with Italian sides like garlic bread or a green salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, chicken with tomato sauce, mozzarella chicken