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 and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests.

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 all ingredients before cooking: mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and cut 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 your 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, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
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 pan with white wine, simmer for 2 minutes while stirring and scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
7. Step 7: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Step 8: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the canned cherry tomatoes and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
9. Step 9: Add chopped basil leaves and nestle the chicken fillets back into the sauce. Scatter the mozzarella cubes on top.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle with black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan. Let the dish simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and mozzarella softens, or transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
• Substitute cherry tomatoes with canned crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce texture.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt, and consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for more aroma.
• If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice can be used instead for deglazing.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Mozzarella may lose some of its texture when reheated, but the dish will still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to use an ovenproof skillet?

Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to finish cooking the dish in the oven, which melts the cheese perfectly. If you don’t have one, you can cover the skillet and simmer on the stovetop until the cheese melts.

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe features tender, seared chicken fillets cooked in a fragrant tomato and garlic sauce, enriched with fresh basil and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly balanced with savory seasonings and a touch of spice, it’s a comforting and flavorful dinner option that can be finished on the stovetop or baked in the oven for a golden cheesy crust.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

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

Sauce and Toppings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine (e.g., 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 fresh basil leaves
• 2 mozzarella balls, chopped into cubes
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves, finely chop the shallot, and cut the mozzarella into cubes. Having all ingredients ready before cooking will ensure a smooth process.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika to enhance their flavor profile.
3. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you choose to finish the dish in the oven, preheat it to 200 °C (400 °F) to get it ready.
4. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for about 5 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
5. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet. Stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom, letting it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute to build depth in the sauce.
8. Simmer Sauce: Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Pour in the canned cherry or crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to develop flavors. Adjust salt if necessary.
9. Combine and Finish Cooking: Nestle the seared chicken fillets back into the tomato sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, mozzarella cubes, a pinch of black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan over the top. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes on the stovetop, allowing the mozzarella to melt and flavors to meld together.
10. Optional Oven Finish: Alternatively, after adding all toppings, place the ovenproof skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly for a perfect finish.
11. Serve: Serve the chicken hot, spooning the rich tomato and melted cheese sauce over the fillets for a delightful meal.

Notes

• You can use crushed tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes if preferred.
• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
• Use fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
• Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Keywords: Garlic chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella, Italian chicken recipe, seared chicken, easy chicken dinner