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
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F, ensuring an optimal cooking temperature for the chicken dish.
- Select a large, oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a perfect base for sautéing aromatic ingredients.
- 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.
- Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its intense fragrance, about 30 seconds.
- 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.
- Carefully nestle chicken breasts into the tomato mixture, searing each side for 1-2 minutes to create a golden exterior.
- Transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven, roasting the chicken for 10 minutes.
- Carefully rotate the chicken breasts, then generously crown each piece with mozzarella cheese slices.
- Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- 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