Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Tender chicken, cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil, and lots of cheese make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella a delightful dinner option. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for weeknight meals or special occasions. In just about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta or toasted ciabatta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella creates a mouthwatering profile everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one skillet.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather your tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the delicious flavors of this dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large ovenproof skillet: Ideal for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce all in one pan.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet’s surface.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for seasoning and liquids.
• Knife & cutting board: Essential for preparing ingredients quickly and safely.

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, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 200 °C/400 °F (if using). Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the chicken fillets and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and browned on both sides.
– Remove from skillet and place on a plate; cover with foil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Add canned cherry tomatoes; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary while chopping fresh basil leaves.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Nestle chicken back into sauce:
– Add chopped basil and mozzarella cubes on top of the chicken.
– Sprinkle black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan over everything. Let simmer for another 5 minutes until flavors meld together or slide into preheated oven to bake for about 10 minutes until golden. Serve hot!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to enhance its flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more delightful.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Toss cooked pasta in olive oil and garlic for a simple yet flavorful base.
• Pesto Pasta: Mix in fresh basil pesto for a herby touch that complements the chicken’s flavors.

On Toasted Ciabatta

• Open-Faced Sandwiches: Serve the chicken on slices of toasted ciabatta, allowing the juices to soak in for an extra tasty bite.
• Garlic Bread: Pair it with crispy garlic bread to add a crunchy texture alongside the juicy chicken.

With a Big Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will freshen up your plate.
• Caesar Salad: For a creamy option, serve with Caesar salad dressed in a tangy sauce and topped with croutons.

How to Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

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

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and quality mozzarella will enhance the overall flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until browned and no longer pink inside to keep it tender and juicy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference for optimal flavor.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding fresh thyme or oregano along with basil for additional depth of flavor.
• Garnish Generously: Finish with extra chopped basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for presentation and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Tomato Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make a perfect comfort food companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until golden add color and nutrition.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing provides freshness.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers a nutritious crunch that balances the richness of the dish.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a neutral backdrop that absorbs all those delicious flavors.
6. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the dish beautifully.
7. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb option, serve spiralized zucchini sautéed lightly in olive oil as a base for the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your dish’s flavor and presentation.

• Bold seasoning: Skipping on seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Make sure to season the chicken fillets generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavorful base.
• Skipping prep work: Not prepping ingredients before cooking can result in a chaotic kitchen. Chop, mince, and measure everything out before you start to make the cooking process smoother.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overdoing it.
• Neglecting sauce consistency: Not allowing the sauce to simmer properly may leave it watery. Ensure you let it simmer until it thickens slightly for better flavor and texture.
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Don’t forget to add fresh basil leaves right before serving for maximum flavor impact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing for best freshness.

Freezing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning into individual servings for easy reheating later.

Reheating Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

What sides go well with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

Pair this dish with pasta, toasted ciabatta, or a big side salad for a balanced meal.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even beef if you prefer a different protein.

How do I make this dish healthier?

You can reduce the amount of cheese used or serve it over a bed of fresh vegetables instead of pasta for fewer calories.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to match your taste preferences. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or part of a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!