Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Tender chicken, cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil, and lots of cheese come together in this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. This dish is not only easy to make but also ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with pasta or toasted ciabatta alongside a vibrant salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish takes just 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The pairing of garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this recipe complements many sides.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese and chicken, making this meal a hit for the whole family.
• Minimal Cleanup: One skillet means less mess and hassle when cooking and cleaning up!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools before starting. Having everything at hand makes the process quicker and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large ovenproof skillet allows for easy cooking and flavor development in one pan.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of vegetables and chicken.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring sauces without damaging your skillet.

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 Toppings

• 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, pepper, garlic powder, and 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 skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken fillets; cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked.
3. Remove from skillet and cover with foil on a plate.

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 2 minutes while scraping brown bits from the bottom.
3. Stir in salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste; cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Nestle cooked chicken between cherry tomatoes in the skillet:
1. Add chopped basil leaves and mozzarella cubes on top.
2. Sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan.
3. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes until flavors meld together or bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until golden.

Enjoy your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Serving Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a delightful experience that combines rich flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to present this dish.

With Pasta

• Pair the chicken with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

On Toasted Ciabatta

• Serve the chicken on toasted ciabatta slices for a crunchy contrast that complements the juicy chicken and melted mozzarella.

Over Rice

• Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal that’s easy to enjoy.

With a Side Salad

• A fresh side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

In a Wrap

• Shred the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh vegetables for a quick and tasty lunch option.

How to Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Perfecting this dish involves attention to detail in both cooking and presentation. Here are some tips to enhance your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and tomatoes significantly improve flavor compared to dried or canned versions.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for optimal flavor.
• Sear the Chicken Well: Ensure the chicken has a golden-brown crust before adding other ingredients; this adds depth of flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juiciness; this prevents dryness when cutting into it.
• Garnish Creatively: Fresh basil leaves or extra mozzarella on top make for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Complementing your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is essential for creating a well-rounded meal. Here are some great side dishes to serve alongside it.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful tomato sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients; try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber provides freshness and texture contrast.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element that pairs well with savory dishes.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort alongside the juicy chicken; consider adding garlic for extra flavor.
6. Mixed Grain Pilaf: A blend of grains like farro or barley brings heartiness while remaining light enough not to overshadow the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be straightforward, but some common mistakes may lead to less-than-perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for depth.
• Skipping the marination: Rushing through without letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after seasoning can lessen the flavor impact. Allow at least 10 minutes for the seasoning to penetrate.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold chicken or broth directly from the fridge can affect cooking times. Bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy (165°F/75°C).
• Ignoring the simmering time: Skipping simmering after adding tomatoes and broth can result in less flavor development. Let it simmer to allow all ingredients to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella:

How do I make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella gluten-free?

You can ensure your dish is gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or serving it without pasta altogether.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a different taste profile.

What should I serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

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

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of fresh cherry tomatoes; just adjust cooking time slightly as they may take longer to break down.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is an appealing and versatile dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini or adjusting spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!