Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Juicy Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Garlic tomato chicken with mozzarella revamps ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired feast that promises intense flavor profiles.

Succulent poultry becomes a canvas for bold, robust ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Kitchen enthusiasts adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates weeknight meals from mundane to magnificent.

Fresh herbs and tangy tomatoes complement the rich, melting cheese that blankets tender chicken pieces.

Bold garlic notes infuse each bite with deep, aromatic complexity that stimulates the senses.

Combining rustic cooking techniques with modern culinary creativity, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of comfort and excitement.

Hungry diners will appreciate the elegant simplicity and irresistible taste combination.

Why Garlic Tomato Chicken Is a Saucy, Cheesy Favorite

  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and melted mozzarella in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals.
  • Enjoy Versatile One-Pan Magic: A single skillet transforms simple ingredients into a complete meal, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.
  • Create Restaurant-Style Comfort: The method of searing chicken, building a rich tomato sauce, and finishing with cheese creates a gourmet-style dish that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it, without requiring advanced cooking skills.
  • Celebrate Customizable Nutrition: With lean protein, fresh vegetables, and controllable seasonings, this recipe offers a balanced meal that can be easily adapted to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients That Make This Chicken Dish Bold and Juicy

Chicken and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Fillets: Tender and lean protein, boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the chicken.
  • Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Sweet Paprika: Spices that add depth and warmth to the dish.
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a smooth cooking base.
  • Shallot, Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredients that add intense, complex flavor to the sauce.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • White Wine: Adds acidity and depth, Pinot Grigio works best for light flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
  • Cherry Tomatoes or Crushed Tomatoes: Fresh, bright tomato element for the sauce.
Herbs and Cheese:
  • Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that brings a bright, aromatic quality to the dish.
  • Mozzarella Balls: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully.
  • Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the final dish.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish for heat lovers.

How to Cook Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Gather Flavorful Ingredients

  • Chicken fillets
  • Garlic
  • Shallot
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • White wine
  • Tomato paste
  • Chicken broth
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes

Ensure all ingredients are fresh and at room temperature.

Step 2: Season Chicken Perfectly

Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl.

Generously coat chicken fillets with the spice blend on both sides.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Equipment

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Select a large ovenproof skillet for seamless cooking.

Step 4: Sear Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken 5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil.

Step 5: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant.

Pour white wine to deglaze pan, scraping up delicious browned bits.

Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Step 6: Simmer Flavorful Sauce

Pour chicken broth and canned tomatoes into skillet.

Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Combine Chicken And Sauce

Return chicken to skillet.

Top with fresh basil, mozzarella cubes, Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 8: Final Cooking

Simmer for 5 minutes on stovetop or

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes until cheese melts and chicken is golden.

Cooking Tips:
  • Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor
  • Don't overcook chicken to maintain tenderness
  • Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving

Nutrition Information:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 374 kcal

Servings: 4

Serving Suggestion:

Pair with crusty bread or light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for a Flavorful Sauce and Perfect Melted Cheese

  • Select High-Quality Ingredients: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
  • Achieve Perfect Chicken Sear: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to create beautiful caramelization without burning garlic or shallots.
  • Layer Flavors Strategically: Add fresh basil and red pepper flakes at the end to preserve their vibrant taste and aromatic punch.
  • Rest Chicken Properly: Let chicken rest under foil for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.

How to Store and Reheat This One-Skillet Meal

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Carefully pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Reheating: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying, or microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly.

What to Serve Alongside Garlic Tomato Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the garlic tomato chicken's vibrant flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, acidic wines cut through the rich mozzarella and complement the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
  • Match with Rustic Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread alongside the dish. The bread will soak up the delicious sauce, adding texture and making each bite more satisfying.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus will balance the hearty chicken, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy main course.
  • Enjoy with Herbed Roasted Vegetables: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs. These vegetables will echo the dish's Mediterranean flavors and add extra nutrition to the meal.

Flavor Additions to Change It Up Anytime

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace basil with oregano and thyme, add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Swap wine for white wine vinegar to enhance Mediterranean notes.
  • Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Incorporate jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, use cilantro instead of basil. Add cumin and chili powder to create a zesty southwestern version.
  • Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Replace broth with heavy cream for a richer sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and add a touch of Italian seasoning blend.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken: Replace tomatoes with roasted cauliflower florets. Use less wine and broth, focus on herbs and spices. Top with extra cheese for added richness and texture.
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Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic tomato chicken with mozzarella brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts nestle under a blanket of melted cheese and roasted tomatoes, creating a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken fillets

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Sweet paprika, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • Dried basil, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

Cooking Ingredients and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 g) cherry tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons chopped basil leaves
  • 2 mozzarella balls, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly season chicken fillets with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
  2. Heat a combination of oil and butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden searing environment.
  3. Cook seasoned chicken fillets for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior, then transfer to a plate and loosely tent with foil.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and finely chopped shallot until their aromatic essence releases and they become translucent.
  5. Deglaze the skillet with wine, introducing tomato paste and additional seasonings, stirring continuously to develop a concentrated flavor profile.
  6. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a robust sauce that melds all ingredients harmoniously.
  7. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce to absorb maximum flavor.
  8. Generously top the dish with fresh basil leaves, cubed mozzarella, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Allow the dish to simmer for 5 minutes on the stovetop, or alternatively, transfer to a preheated 200°C/400°F oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
  10. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest briefly before serving, allowing the flavors to integrate and the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

  • Customize this dish by swapping chicken with fish or tofu for a unique twist.
  • Keep mozzarella cold until the last moment to ensure a perfect melty texture when added to the hot skillet.
  • Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor depth and natural sweetness in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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