Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Let me introduce you to Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, an absolute game-changer when you crave something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Juicy chicken fillets get smothered in a vibrant tomato sauce bursting with garlic, then finished with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish has quickly become a regular in my home, bringing together the best of rustic Italian comfort and cozy weeknight ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I love making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is how everyday ingredients transform into something magical. Each component plays a starring role, bringing bold flavor, beautiful color, and that irresistible cheese pull you get from every bite.

• Chicken fillets: Go for boneless, skinless fillets for juiciness and easy cooking.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor, use it both in seasoning and the sauce.
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, so don’t skip it.
• Garlic powder: Doubles up on garlicky flavor, mingling perfectly in the seasoning blend.
• Sweet paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and lovely red hue.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds that classic Mediterranean taste.
• Unsalted butter: Rounds out the olive oil, giving a richer sear and a little extra decadence.
• Shallot: A gentle, slightly sweet onion that melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: The unmistakable hero here, providing fragrant, robust notes in each bite.
• Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio): Lifts the sauce, adding brightness and complexity.
• Dried basil: Gives a classic Italian warmth to the tomato base.
• Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor, making the sauce rich and full-bodied.
• Chicken broth: Keeps things saucy and adds savory depth.
• Canned cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes): The heart of the sauce, bringing sweetness and color.
• Chopped basil leaves: Freshens everything up with a garden-bright finish.
• Mozzarella balls: Melty, creamy, and essential for that perfect cheese stretch.
• Grated Parmesan: Brings savory sharpness and a golden top layer.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A sprinkle of heat that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, do yourself a favor and get all the chopping, mincing, and slicing out of the way. Finely chop your shallot, mince the garlic, and cut those mozzarella balls into chunky cubes. This bit of prep turns the rest of the recipe into a smooth, stress-free process.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

This step is where you really start building the flavor. Generously sprinkle both sides of the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Give the fillets a little pat so every bit of seasoning clings nicely. This little spice mix forms the base for the entire Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella experience.

Step 3: Preheat Oven if Baking

If you’d like that lovely, golden-baked finish, turn your oven on to 200 °C (400 °F) now. This way it’s ready for you when the chicken is simmering in that gorgeous tomato sauce, and you won’t lose any time later.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Set a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil and butter. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add your seasoned chicken fillets. Let them sizzle for about 5 minutes per side, until they develop a deep golden crust and are just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil while you move on to the sauce.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

With your skillet still hot, toss in the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Splash in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up those golden bits stuck to the pan. Lower the heat a tad, then add salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Stir for another minute, letting everything meld.

Step 6: Simmer the Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Add the canned cherry or crushed tomatoes, bring it all to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors intensify. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. While the sauce simmers, chop up those fresh basil leaves so they’re ready for showtime.

Step 7: Finish with Chicken, Mozzarella, and Basil

Lay the chicken fillets back into the sauce, nestling them between the cherry tomatoes. Scatter the chopped basil and mozzarella cubes across the top, then crack on some more black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and your freshly grated Parmesan. Simmer everything gently for another 5 minutes, or slide your skillet into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the mozzarella starts bubbling and turning golden. This final touch makes Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella totally irresistible.

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garnishes

Once your skillet emerges, piping hot and fragrant, finish with a shower of freshly chopped basil, a grating of extra Parmesan, and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. These bright, fresh touches elevate both the look and taste of Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

Side Dishes

This saucy, cheesy chicken begs to be scooped up with something. Try it alongside a crusty loaf of bread for swiping up every drop, or over buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a meal that’s both cozy and filling. A simple green salad with a lemony dressing balances things out wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go the extra mile, spoon the skillet mixture onto toasted garlic bread for open-faced sandwiches, or cut the chicken into chunks and serve over pasta. The rich sauce clings to pasta beautifully, and this twist brings even more comfort to the table. For an elegant touch, prep and serve individual gratin dishes for each guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella stores like a dream. Simply let everything cool down completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for a rainy day, let the dish cool first. Then wrap it tightly or store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze before adding the mozzarella, and add fresh cheese when reheating if possible.

Reheating

To bring your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella back to life, place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 180 °C (350 °F) until the cheese is bubbling and the chicken is heated through. A minute or two under the broiler helps re-melt any cheese that needs a little love. Stir gently so the cheese stays gooey but doesn’t break down.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and full of flavor, making them a fantastic substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

What’s the best white wine for this recipe?

Any dry white wine works well, but Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Chardonnay are great choices. If you prefer not to use wine, just add a splash more chicken broth and a drizzle of lemon juice for brightness.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of mozzarella balls?

Yes, shredded mozzarella melts nicely in the sauce. However, mozzarella balls (bocconcini) give you those satisfying, creamy cheese puddles that really make this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella special.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you want it to be! The touch of crushed red pepper flakes gives just a hint of heat. You can skip them for a completely mild dish or add more if you love spice.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Certainly. Substitute the butter with more olive oil and use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella alternative. You can also skip the Parmesan or sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that wraps you in comfort and fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is the answer. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Your family and friends will thank you for introducing them to this cheesy, saucy, irresistible delight!

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