Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Tender and juicy, Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. This recipe combines succulent chicken fillets with a vibrant cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this delightful meal is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, ciabatta, or a refreshing side salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with pasta, crusty bread, or on its own for a light meal.
• Family-Friendly: A delicious way to incorporate chicken into your family’s diet without fuss.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.

Tools and Preparation

Getting your kitchen ready for this dish is simple. With just a few essential tools, you’ll be able to create this flavorful Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella without any hassle.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A large ovenproof skillet
• A wooden spoon
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large ovenproof skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and creating the sauce in one pan, enhancing flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

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)

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by getting all the prep done before you begin cooking:
1. Mince the garlic.
2. Finely chop the shallot.
3. Cut mozzarella into cubes.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken fillets on both sides with:
– Salt
– Pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200 °C/400 °F if you plan to bake the dish.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Heat oil and butter together.
2. Add the seasoned chicken fillets.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned.
4. Remove from skillet and place on a plate; cover with foil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet:
1. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot; cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
2. Deglaze with white apple vinegar; let simmer for 2 minutes while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
3. Stir in salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste; cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine:
1. Add canned cherry tomatoes; bring to a boil.
2. Simmer for about 5 minutes; adjust salt if needed.
3. Meanwhile, chop the basil leaves.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Nestle chicken between the cherry tomatoes:
1. Add basil and mozzarella cubes on top.
2. Sprinkle black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan over everything.
3. Let simmer for about 5 minutes until flavors meld or slide into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Serving Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is all about elevating the dish and creating a delightful meal experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this mouthwatering chicken.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil and garlic, then serve the chicken on top to soak in the flavors.
• Pesto Pasta: Add a twist by mixing the chicken with basil pesto-coated pasta for an aromatic touch.

On Ciabatta

• Toasted Ciabatta: Serve the chicken on toasted ciabatta slices. The crispy bread will complement the juicy chicken perfectly.
• Bruschetta Style: Top small pieces of ciabatta with the chicken and sauce for a tasty appetizer.

With Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Pair it with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing for a refreshing side.
• Caprese Salad: A classic Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil enhances the Italian theme of your meal.

As a Standalone Dish

• Garnished with Fresh Basil: Present your chicken garnished with extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
• Drizzled with Balsamic Reduction: A drizzle of balsamic reduction can add a sweet tang that balances the savory flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is simple, but these tips will take it to the next level.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with your spices! Ensure that you season both sides of the chicken well to enhance flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs make a significant difference in taste. Opt for fresh basil over dried when possible.
• Cook at medium heat: Cooking the chicken at medium heat allows it to cook through evenly without burning.
• Deglaze properly: When deglazing, scrape all the brown bits from the skillet. They add depth of flavor to your sauce.
• Let it rest: Allowing your cooked chicken to rest before serving helps retain its juices, keeping it moist and tender.
• Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like burrata or fontina for an interesting twist on this dish.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Pairing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any delicious sauces.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil bring out natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with this dish.
3. Risotto: Creamy risotto adds richness and can be flavored with herbs or parmesan for extra depth.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, bell peppers, and parsley offers a healthy contrast.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out heavier flavors from the chicken.
6. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb option, zoodles tossed in olive oil make a great base under your chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides for maximum taste.
• Not preheating the skillet: Cooking chicken in a cold skillet can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat the skillet with oil and butter before adding the chicken for a nice sear.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Monitor cooking times closely and use a meat thermometer if needed; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Ignoring the simmering time: Rushing through the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least five minutes to ensure all ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Forgetting to chop fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, but it should be added at the right time. Make sure to chop it just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Will maintain quality for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese in Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

You can certainly swap mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or gouda. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile while still complementing the dish beautifully.

How do I make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella spicier?

To add more heat, consider increasing crushed red pepper flakes when cooking or even adding diced jalapeños into the sauce for an extra kick!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble right before cooking. This makes for a quick weeknight meal that’s easy to put together.

What should I serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or toasted ciabatta bread. A side salad also complements it well by adding freshness and crunch.

Is Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella healthy?

This recipe is fairly balanced, providing protein from chicken and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese. Pairing it with vegetables enhances its nutritional value!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep throughout the week—give it a try!

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Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary meals. This savory recipe features tender chicken fillets seared to perfection, smothered in a vibrant cherry tomato sauce enriched with garlic and fresh basil, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. In just 30 minutes, you can create an irresistible meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy it over pasta, on toasted ciabatta, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience that bursts with flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken fillets
• 1 can cherry tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 mozzarella balls
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• Fresh basil leaves
• Seasonings: salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• sweet paprika
• dried basil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
2. Season chicken fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant. Deglaze with white apple vinegar.
5. Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, canned cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried basil; simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Nestle the chicken back into the sauce; top with chopped basil and mozzarella. Simmer or bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken fillet with sauce (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 120mg