Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Tender chicken, cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil, and lots of cheese combine in this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions alike. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor and comfort. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table that your whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, alongside toasted ciabatta, or with a crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and tender chicken, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients makes this dish easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large ovenproof skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large ovenproof skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and combining all ingredients in one pan for easy cleanup.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for deglazing the skillet and scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom.
• Knife: Essential for chopping shallots, garlic, and mozzarella quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken fillets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup dry white apple vinegar (like 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)

For Topping

• 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves
• 2 mozzarella balls (chopped)
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for sprinkling)

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get all the prep done before you start cooking:
1. Mince the garlic.
2. Finely chop the shallot.
3. Cut mozzarella into cubes.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken fillets on both sides with:
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Garlic powder
– Sweet paprika

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 200 °C/400 °F (if using).
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken fillets; cook for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and browned.
3. Remove from skillet and place on a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet:
1. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot; cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
2. Deglaze with white apple vinegar; simmer for another 2 minutes while scraping up brown bits.
3. Stir in salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste; cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth and stir well:
1. Add canned cherry tomatoes; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 5 minutes.
2. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Nestle chicken back into the skillet among cherry tomatoes:
1. Add chopped basil leaves and mozzarella cubes on top.
2. Sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan.
3. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes until golden.

Serve your delicious Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella hot! Enjoy this comforting dish solo or alongside your favorite sides!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti or Penne: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, these pasta choices complement the flavors of the chicken.
• Pesto Pasta: The herbaceous notes of pesto pair well with the mozzarella and tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

On Toasted Ciabatta

• Garlic Bread: Spread some garlic butter on toasted ciabatta to create a crunchy base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Bruschetta Style: Top toasted bread with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a refreshing twist.

With Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with mixed greens topped with vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil mirror the main dish’s ingredients, creating a cohesive meal.

How to Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

To elevate your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, follow these helpful tips for perfecting this delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality chicken will greatly enhance the flavors.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste as you go; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
• Sear the Chicken Well: Ensure you achieve a golden-brown crust by not overcrowding the skillet while searing.
• Simmer Gently: Allow enough time for the sauce to simmer; this helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
• Add Extra Cheese: For a cheesier dish, sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding fresh oregano or thyme for an aromatic twist.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Tomato Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base for the chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and fluffy quinoa mixed with cherry tomatoes and herbs offers a healthy alternative.
4. Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with lemon juice brings brightness to balance the rich chicken dish.
5. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up flavors nicely; sauté it lightly in olive oil for added taste.
6. Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs and spices provides texture and complements the tomato sauce.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes baked until tender add a hint of sweetness that contrasts well with savory flavors.
8. Greek Yogurt Dressing Salad: A refreshing salad topped with tangy yogurt dressing can cleanse your palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella dish to perfection. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you season both sides generously before cooking.
• Bold overcooking: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden-brown exterior while ensuring it’s fully cooked inside.
• Bold skipping deglazing: Failing to deglaze the skillet may result in missing out on rich flavors. Always scrape up those tasty bits after cooking the chicken.
• Bold ignoring simmer time: Skipping the simmer time after adding tomatoes can result in a lack of flavor. Allow it to simmer so the ingredients meld beautifully.
• Bold neglecting cheese quality: Using low-quality mozzarella can affect texture and taste. Opt for fresh mozzarella for better melting and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• This dish is best enjoyed within 2-3 months of freezing.

Reheating Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella that might help you get the most out of this recipe.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or even lamb for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

This dish pairs well with pasta, toasted ciabatta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I customize my Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance flavor and nutrition.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil works as an alternative; just remember that it’s more potent, so use less than what you would fresh.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it earlier in the day and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a delightful blend of flavors that anyone can whip up in under 30 minutes. Its versatility means you can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that will impress your family or guests!