Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is just the ticket. It’s one of those recipes that has become a staple in my kitchen because it combines tender chicken with a rich cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

The best part? You can have this comforting dish on the table in about 30 minutes! It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with pasta or toasted ciabatta and a side salad. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorites too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With flavors that everyone loves, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand to customize the dish.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella creates a warm and satisfying meal.
• Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce in advance for an even quicker dinner later in the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella. You’ll be amazed at how these everyday items come together to create such a delightful dish.

For the Chicken

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

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup dry white apple vinegar (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)

For Topping

• 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves
• 2 mozzarella balls (chopped)
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for sprinkling)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have available or your favorite flavors.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different take.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers to amp up the nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try using provolone or gouda if mozzarella isn’t your favorite.
• Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or throw in some olives for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get all the prep done before you start cooking: mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and cut mozzarella into cubes. Prepping ahead of time makes cooking smoother and faster!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This step ensures each bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 200 °C/400 °F if you’re planning to bake it later. Heat olive oil and butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken fillets and cook them for about 5 minutes per side until they are fully cooked and beautifully browned. Once done, remove them from the skillet and cover them with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant—about two minutes—because developing those flavors is key! Deglaze with white apple vinegar by simmering for another two minutes while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth to your sauce.

Step 5: Build Flavor

Now add salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste into your fragrant mixture. Stir constantly for about one minute; this allows all those spices to bloom beautifully!

Step 6: Add Tomatoes

Pour in chicken broth next, stirring well to combine everything. Then add canned cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes). Bring this lovely mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer for about five minutes. Adjust salt if needed while chopping fresh basil leaves during this time.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Nestle your cooked chicken back into the skillet between those juicy cherry tomatoes. Add chopped basil and mozzarella cubes on top. Sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan. Let everything simmer together for five more minutes until flavors meld perfectly and cheese slightly melts—or pop it in your oven for ten minutes until golden!

Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite of your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to master with a few handy tips!

• Prep Ingredients First: By chopping and measuring all your ingredients before you start cooking, you’ll streamline the process and avoid any last-minute scrambling. It helps keep your kitchen organized and makes cooking more enjoyable!
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. If possible, opt for fresh over dried. This small change can make a big difference in taste, giving your dish that authentic Italian touch.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Everyone’s palate is different, so play around with the spice levels to find what works best for you and your family.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender, which elevates the overall quality of your dish.
• Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is delicious, consider trying other cheeses like provolone or even goat cheese for a different twist. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor profile that can transform this dish into something new each time!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Presenting this delightful dish beautifully can enhance your dining experience! Here are some ideas on how to serve it up.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves right before serving adds not only color but also an aromatic touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze on top for an extra layer of flavor; its sweetness balances well with the savory ingredients.
• Grated Parmesan: Offer additional grated Parmesan on the side so guests can add as much cheesy goodness as they like.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious tomato sauce. You can easily make it at home by spreading butter and garlic on slices of baguette and toasting them until golden brown.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for added crunch!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the dish beautifully while adding vibrant colors and nutrition.
• Pasta Primavera: For those who want something heartier, serve this chicken over pasta primavera. The colorful veggies in olive oil will add texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy chicken.

Enjoy preparing this easy yet flavorful Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella! Your family will love it just as much as you do!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for future meals, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool fully.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella adds a lovely creaminess, you can experiment with cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.

How can I make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella healthier?

To make this dish lighter, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more veggies to increase fiber content!

What should I serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A fresh salad on the side makes it even better!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work beautifully as they’re juicier and flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella! It’s a comforting dish that brings together bright flavors and creamy goodness—all in about 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!