Name: Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken fillets; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup dry white wine (e.g., 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); 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves; 2 mozzarella balls, chopped into cubes; 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 80 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and offers comfort with every bite, this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken fillets bathed in a rich cherry tomato sauce, infused with fragrant garlic and fresh basil, then topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a symphony of texture and taste that comes together effortlessly in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight winner or a delightful dinner for friends.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl with thick spaghetti noodles tossed in a rich red tomato sauce with visible herbs and small chunks, topped with a large golden-brown seared piece of chicken seasoned with black pepper and herbs, and several whole bright red cherry tomatoes scattered around the noodles. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface, with the sauce having a glossy texture and the chicken showing a slightly crispy exterior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s bringing savory depth, bright acidity, or creamy indulgence to the plate.

4 chicken fillets: The juicy star of the dish, perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky aroma beyond the fresh cloves, layering flavor nicely.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and melding the sauce ingredients smoothly.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the sauce and seared chicken.
1 shallot - finely chopped: Offers a mild onion flavor that deepens the sauce complexity.
4 garlic cloves - minced: Fresh garlic sets the aromatic foundation of the dish.
¼ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio): Elevates the sauce with subtle fruity undertones and acidity.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses herby notes that complement the fresh basil garnish.
2 tablespoon tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully.
½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and savory.
1 can (14 oz/400 g) cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes): The heart of the sauce, delivering sweetness and juiciness.
3 tablespoon chopped basil leaves: Adds freshness and bright herbaceous flavor to finish the dish.
2 mozzarella balls - chopped: Melts to create a creamy, cheesy topping that ties everything together.
3 tablespoon grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melted mozzarella.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch provides warmth and a subtle heat to excite your palate.

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients First

Before turning on the stove, make sure to mince the garlic cloves, finely chop the shallot, and cut the mozzarella into cubes. Having all your ingredients ready ensures a smooth, stress-free cooking process, letting you savor every step without rushing.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken fillets thoroughly on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken, cover it loosely with foil, and set it aside to keep warm—this sets you up perfectly for the next flavor-packed stage.

Step 3: Build the Rich Cherry Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, cooking until fragrant—which should take about 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring constantly and scraping up those delectable brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes before adding salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 more minute while stirring to build depth in the sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to meld all the ingredients. Add the canned cherry tomatoes and bring the sauce to a boil; then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to mingle and intensify. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble and Melt the Mozzarella

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, tucking it among the burst tomatoes. Scatter the chopped fresh basil and mozzarella cubes over the top. Sprinkle with black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan for an extra flavor punch. Let everything simmer gently on the stove for 5 minutes, or slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

A red pot filled with a dish showing four browned pieces of chicken on top, surrounded by a rich tomato sauce with whole and halved cherry tomatoes scattered throughout. White melted cheese is spread in soft pools across the dish, melting into the sauce and creating a creamy texture. Green herbs are sprinkled around, adding small touches of color. The pot sits on a rustic wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves give a welcome burst of color and freshness, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese dusts the dish with nutty brilliance. If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes on top will do the trick beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with al dente pasta to soak up the luscious sauce or a crunchy toasted ciabatta for dipping and savoring every drop. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic adds balance and brightness to the plate, cutting through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, serve this garlic tomato chicken directly in the skillet on a wooden board to bring warmth and rustic charm to the table. For a more elegant presentation, plate each chicken fillet individually, spoon the tomato sauce artfully around, and garnish with basil sprigs and shaved Parmesan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let the dish cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for a ready-made midweek meal.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of fresh basil and mozzarella might slightly change after thawing, but the flavors remain delightful.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stove or in the oven to preserve the tender chicken and prevent the mozzarella from becoming rubbery. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help keep the sauce nice and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more juiciness and richness. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?

White wine adds a lovely depth and acidity to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a touch of sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that the dish’s creamy texture and flavor will be slightly different but still wonderful.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

You can use canned crushed tomatoes instead, which will give a smoother sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to allow the sauce to thicken if needed.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a day, making it a fantastic option for cooking ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe is an all-around winner that brings both comfort and elegance to your table without demanding hours in the kitchen. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dishes for busy nights, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself. Gather those ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to delight in every cheesy, garlicky, tomatoey bite!