If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner, this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a perfect choice! The combination of juicy chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a savory dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a family, this dish brings a satisfying blend of Italian flavors straight to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true winner for multiple reasons. First, it features simple, fresh ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella that come together beautifully. The chicken is tender, flavorful, and juicy, thanks to being seared in olive oil and seasoned with herbs. The garlic adds a robust flavor, while the mozzarella melts to create an irresistibly cheesy topping. Plus, the whole dish is quick and easy to make, ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
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Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, making sure not to burn it.
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Add the cherry tomatoes (or any other tomatoes you prefer) and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.
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Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese and place the skillet in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add more veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make this dish even more nutritious.
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Use different cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
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Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Chicken thighs: For a juicier cut of meat, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, you may want to cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, season it, and even cook it through the step where you add the garlic and tomatoes. Store it in the fridge, and when ready to serve, top with cheese and bake.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. However, if you must use frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Cherry tomatoes work well because they burst with flavor when cooked, but you can use any variety of tomatoes you prefer, such as Roma or plum tomatoes.
Can I make this dish without cheese?
While mozzarella is the star of this recipe, you can certainly leave it out if you’re looking for a dairy-free version. Consider topping the chicken with a flavorful sauce or additional herbs for extra flavor.
Can I cook this in a different pan?
Yes, if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing it in the skillet to continue the baking process.
Can I substitute olive oil for another oil?
Yes, you can use other oils such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. However, olive oil adds a distinct flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. You can check using a meat thermometer.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh basil will give the dish a more vibrant flavor. You can substitute the dried basil with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil.
How do I make the chicken more tender?
To make the chicken even more tender, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking, or marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Conclusion
Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines juicy chicken, savory garlic, tangy tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, quick dish packed with bold flavors that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Whether you serve it with a side of pasta, rice, or a simple salad, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comfort of this Italian-inspired dish tonight!
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Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a perfect dinner option, combining tender chicken breasts, savory garlic, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish brings bold Italian flavors to your table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s sure to become a favorite. With easy ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great option for a weeknight meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
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Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, making sure not to burn it.
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Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.
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Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese and place the skillet in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve!
Notes
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
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Substitutes: Feel free to use other types of cheese such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
