Zesty Mozzarella Chicken Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Juicy chicken breasts paired with melty mozzarella create a surprisingly simple weeknight dinner magic.

Weeknight meal challenges disappear when you know this straightforward technique.

Crisp edges and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated steps.

Simple seasonings bring out the best in tender chicken and creamy cheese.

Dinner will be ready faster than you can imagine, promising a delicious solution to your hunger.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Pairing Suggestions for Mozzarella Chicken

• Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or medium-bodied Chianti to complement the tomato and mozzarella flavors, enhancing the chicken's richness and cutting through its savory profile.
• Toss together fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan with a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken dish.
• Prepare toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.

Storage Tips for Mozzarella Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between chicken pieces to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store frozen chicken for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date of freezing.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for those following a low-carb diet?

Yes, this mozzarella chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates and perfect for low-carb and keto diet followers.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure proper browning and even cooking.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

You can start the cooking process in a regular skillet and then transfer the chicken to a baking dish for the oven portion of the recipe.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Cook the chicken to exactly 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid overcooking to maintain its tenderness and juiciness.

Mozzarella Chicken Quick

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, eliminating complex cooking techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Prepare and cook everything in a single skillet, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during meal preparation.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines classic Italian ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to create a robust, mouth-watering dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Nutritious Protein Boost: Lean chicken breasts provide a healthy protein source while being perfectly complemented by aromatic herbs and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish that provides lean protein and serves as the base for the mozzarella topping.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavorful base and add depth to the sauce with their aromatic qualities.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that provides a fresh, bright garnish to the finished dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy sauce base that complements the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Crushed Red Pepper, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that creates a luxurious texture and rich flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking while adding a subtle flavor.

Step-by-Step Mozzarella Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle the Onions

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become soft and develop a golden hint around the edges.

Step 3: Wake Up the Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for 2 minutes to blend the aromas together.

Step 4: Seal the Chicken

Drop chicken breasts into the skillet and brown them quickly, about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10 minutes.

Flip the chicken breasts halfway through cooking.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

• Fresh mozzarella slices
• Shredded mozzarella

Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Final Touch

Pull the skillet from the oven.

Sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken and serve hot right from the skillet.

Tips for Mozzarella Chicken

• Opt for high-quality, fresh mozzarella to elevate the dish's flavor and achieve a perfectly melty texture.
• Select chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and consistent doneness throughout the meat.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and create a delicious golden crust during sautéing.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to verify chicken's internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy meat.
• If avoiding dairy, substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for similar creamy richness.

Variations to Explore with Mozzarella Chicken

• Vegetarian Zucchini Swap: Replace chicken with thick zucchini slices, maintaining similar cooking techniques and seasonings for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Protein Upgrade: Substitute chicken with turkey breast or lean pork medallions, keeping the same mozzarella and tomato base for a protein-rich meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add oregano and kalamata olives, creating a Greek-inspired version of the original recipe.
• Spicy Jalapeño Challenge: Mix in diced jalapeños with the tomato sauce, use pepper jack cheese, and increase red pepper flakes for a fiery, bold flavor profile.

Quick & Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Scrumptious mozzarella chicken combines Italian flavors with simple ingredients. Succulent chicken breasts topped with melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 small to medium boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) of fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 15 oz (425 grams) can of crushed tomatoes or preferred marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 3 to 4 cloves of garlic (minced or grated)
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of black pepper
• Fresh basil (for garnishing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F, ensuring an optimal cooking temperature for the chicken dish.
2. Select a large, oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a perfect base for sautéing aromatic ingredients.
3. Introduce chopped onions to the heated skillet, gently cooking until they transform into a soft, slightly caramelized state with golden-tinged edges, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its intense fragrance, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, accompanied by a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop for 2 minutes.
6. Carefully nestle chicken breasts into the tomato mixture, searing each side for 1-2 minutes to create a golden exterior.
7. Transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven, roasting the chicken for 10 minutes.
8. Carefully rotate the chicken breasts, then generously crown each piece with mozzarella cheese slices.
9. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Extract the skillet from the oven, embellish with fresh basil leaves, and serve the dish immediately while the cheese remains melted and aromatic.

Notes

• Swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender, juicy meat with richer flavor.
• Reduce cooking time by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Use dairy-free mozzarella for a lactose-intolerant friendly version, maintaining the dish’s creamy texture and melty appeal.
• Add extra spice by increasing crushed red pepper or incorporating diced jalapeños for heat lovers who crave more kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg