Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs, topped with melted fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for a delicious Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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)
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Topping and Garnish
- 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 to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin 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 pepper. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing to adhere.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet with garlic. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper then bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts without overcrowding and cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Transfer to Sauce: Place seared chicken breasts into the skillet with simmering tomato sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
- Simmer in Sauce: Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer chicken for 10-15 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Add the Mozzarella: Remove lid and arrange mozzarella slices evenly over chicken breasts.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover skillet again and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Alternatively, briefly broil to melt cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan over the chicken and cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to even thickness helps them cook evenly and prevents drying out.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level or leave out for milder flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best but low-moisture mozzarella can be substituted if desired.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time on cooking day.
Keywords: Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Chicken, Italian chicken recipe, tomato sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner, mozzarella chicken
