This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken fillets with a rich cherry tomato sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. The combination of fresh herbs, aromatic garlic, and sweet tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. This one-skillet wonder delivers bold flavors in every bite while creating a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more flavor as the ingredients build upon each other.
• Versatile Serving Options: Works beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared in advance, making weeknight dinners quick and stress-free.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful combination of red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Adaptable: Easily customized to your taste preferences with various herbs, spice levels, or protein substitutions.

Ingredients

• Chicken Fillets: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. Thighs will give you more flavor and stay juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
• Seasonings: A balanced blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika creates a flavorful crust on the chicken. You can adjust the amounts based on your spice preference.
• Olive Oil and Butter: The combination provides the perfect balance of flavor and a higher smoke point for searing the chicken. Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Shallot: Offers a milder, sweeter flavor than regular onions. If unavailable, substitute with half a small yellow onion.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe’s signature flavor. Pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best aromatic results.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce while helping to deglaze the pan. A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio works perfectly, but you can substitute with additional chicken broth if preferred.
• Dried Basil: Provides a concentrated herbal flavor to the sauce. Italian seasoning can be substituted if you don’t have dried basil on hand.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce. Look for double-concentrated paste for maximum impact.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the sauce. Use low-sodium varieties to better control the salt level in your dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: The star ingredient that gives this dish its bright, sweet-tart flavor. Canned cherry tomatoes or crushed tomatoes work perfectly, with each providing a slightly different texture.
• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, herbaceous notes and a pop of color. Italian flat-leaf parsley can be substituted in a pinch.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls provide creamy pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish. Use fresh rather than low-moisture mozzarella for the best melting quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the sweet tomatoes. Freshly grated provides the best flavor and melting properties.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Variations

Tuscan-Style Chicken

Transform this dish into a creamy Tuscan delight by adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce after it has simmered. Toss in a handful of baby spinach leaves that will wilt into the sauce, and use sun-dried tomatoes instead of or in addition to the cherry tomatoes for a deeper, more concentrated flavor.

Caprese Chicken

Emphasize the classic Caprese elements by using larger slices of fresh mozzarella instead of cubes. After cooking the chicken and sauce, top each chicken fillet with a slice of mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Broil briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a stunning presentation.

Mediterranean Chicken

Add Mediterranean flair by incorporating diced roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts to the sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese instead of or in addition to the mozzarella, and finish with fresh oregano instead of basil for an entirely new flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by gathering and preparing all your ingredients before you start cooking. Mince the garlic cloves, finely chop the shallot, and cut the fresh mozzarella into small cubes. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Season your chicken fillets generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika to create a flavorful base.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, preferably oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming. Add the seasoned chicken fillets to the hot pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, covering with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Tomato Sauce

Using the same skillet with all its flavorful drippings, add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, reducing the heat to medium. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook the raw flavor out of the tomato paste.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Pour in the chicken broth and canned cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it between the tomatoes. Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the dish, then distribute the mozzarella cubes around and on top of the chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the dish to simmer for about 5 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the cheese is melty. Alternatively, if using an oven-safe skillet, place it in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Properly browning the chicken creates a flavorful crust and leaves behind fond (browned bits) that forms the flavor base for your sauce.
• Room Temperature Chicken: Take your chicken out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking as its flavor will concentrate in the sauce. Avoid “cooking wines” which contain added salt and preservatives.
• Control the Heat: When adding garlic to the pan, reduce the heat to prevent burning, which would give the dish a bitter taste.
• Fresh Herbs at the End: Add the fresh basil toward the end of cooking to preserve its bright color and flavor.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle and the sauce slightly thicken.

How to Serve

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic Italian-inspired meal, serve it over al dente pasta such as linguine or fettuccine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for mopping up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the dish.

For a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast, pair this chicken dish with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, or a side of sautéed spinach with garlic.

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead

This recipe offers several make-ahead options for convenient meal planning:

Sauce Preparation: The tomato sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop before adding the chicken and cheese.

Season Chicken in Advance: You can season the chicken fillets up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This actually allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing the flavor.

Complete Make-Ahead: The entire dish can be fully prepared up to 2 days ahead. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick after storage.

Freezing Option: The sauce freezes excellently without the cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the recipe by searing fresh chicken and adding the sauce and cheese components.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier, more flavorful chicken. They may require slightly longer cooking time, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice to add the acidity that the wine would provide.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can create a dairy-free version by omitting the butter (use only olive oil), mozzarella, and Parmesan. The tomato sauce is delicious on its own, or you could add a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to check chicken doneness is with an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the fillet. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part – fully cooked chicken will be opaque with no pink remaining.

Conclusion

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella brings together the beloved flavors of Italian cuisine in a simple yet impressive one-pan meal. The combination of tender chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and melty mozzarella creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its versatility and ease of preparation. Give it a try tonight and experience a little taste of Mediterranean magic right in your own kitchen!

Print