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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Add the Mozzarella: Remove the lid and arrange fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the chicken breasts.
- 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.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- 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
