Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

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Cozy Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe, Made Simple

On a calm weekend afternoon, I love whipping up dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate — and this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe fits perfectly. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with the aroma of garlic and fresh tomatoes, making waiting for dinner a delightful part of the day.

You’ll find the combination of tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a fragrant tomato sauce utterly comforting. This recipe brings out that sweet acidity from cherry tomatoes, balanced with herbs and a touch of spice, making it a winner whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones.

Stick with me as I walk you through every detail — from seasoning the chicken just right to getting that perfect melt on the cheese. It’s approachable, satisfying, and always worth the little bit of effort.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Chicken fillets: The heart of the dish, they become juicy and golden seared.
• Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
• Garlic powder & sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a mild smoky depth.
• Olive oil & unsalted butter: Creates a toasty, rich base for cooking chicken and sauce.
• Shallot & garlic cloves: Aromatics that deepen the savory foundation.
• Dry white wine: Brightens the sauce, helps dissolve those tasty browned bits.
• Dried basil & fresh basil leaves: Layer herbal fragrance and freshness.
• Tomato paste & cherry tomatoes: Bring body, sweetness, and a vibrant tomato punch.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory richness and helps build the sauce.
• Mozzarella balls & grated Parmesan: Melted cheese goodness, salty and creamy finishes.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick—adjust to your spice preference.

Set Up for Success

Before you start, get everything ready on your countertop: mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and cube the mozzarella. This mise en place makes the cooking flow smoother and less stressful. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to finish the dish in the oven. Using a large, ovenproof skillet is ideal so you can switch from stovetop to oven effortlessly.

Step-by-Step: Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

1. Prep your ingredients: Mince those garlic cloves, finely chop the shallot, and cube your mozzarella. Having everything at hand means you won’t rush or forget any step as the cooking speed picks up.
2. Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. The paprika lends a lovely, subtle smokiness that toasts beautifully in the pan.
3. Preheat your pan: Heat the olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat until bubbly and fragrant – the butter adds a wonderfully nutty richness here.
4. Sear the chicken: Add fillets and cook about five minutes per side. You want a crisp, golden crust exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Once done, set them aside covered to retain warmth.
5. Create the sauce base: In the same skillet, toss in chopped shallot and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about 2 minutes. This step wakes up the skillet with aromatic goodness.
6. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring and scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom. This lift of flavor adds depth and bright acidity to balance the richness.
7. Build the sauce: Add salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Stir constantly for a minute so the tomato paste can caramelize slightly for an intensified flavor.
8. Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth, gently stir, then add the canned cherry tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and become fragrant.
9. Nestle in the chicken: Tuck the seared fillets between the tomatoes. Scatter fresh chopped basil, cube mozzarella, and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
10. Finish cooking: Let simmer on the stove for 5 minutes until mozzarella melts tenderly and flavors meld beautifully. Or, for a gorgeous golden finish, transfer the skillet into a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10 minutes.
11. Serve and enjoy: Spoon the rich, tomatoey sauce and melty cheese over the chicken. It’s perfect alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Flavor Twists for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

• Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for a savory earthiness.
• Swap fresh cherry tomatoes for sun-dried for a concentrated sweetness.
• Sprinkle chopped olives or capers for a briny punch.
• Use smoked mozzarella for a hint of smoky richness.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream after simmering to mellow the tomato tang.
• Finish with fresh arugula or baby spinach for a peppery freshness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze sauce and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating gently.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet on low, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Make ahead: Prepare sauce a day before and cook chicken just before serving to speed up weeknight dinners.

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets? Yes, bone-in thighs work well — just increase cooking time and ensure they’re fully cooked.
• What if I don’t drink wine? Simply omit the wine and replace with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for acidity.
• Is fresh mozzarella necessary? Fresh mozzarella melts best for that creamy texture, but shredded low-moisture mozzarella can work in a pinch.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely, all ingredients here are naturally gluten-free — just check your broth label.
• How do I know when chicken is cooked through? The fillets should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and feel firm but juicy.

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