Mozzarella Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Mozzarella Chicken Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted buffalo mozzarella. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut or pounded to thin cutlets)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz buffalo mozzarella (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the garlic powder, salt, and pepper together and season each side of the chicken breasts evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the pressed garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to release aroma. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring and scraping the pan.
5. Step 5: Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream until combined. Add the fresh basil, then return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the pieces. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
6. Step 6: Place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
7. Step 7: Garnish with extra basil and serve hot over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Use fresh mozzarella if buffalo mozzarella is unavailable; it will melt beautifully as well.
• If your chicken breasts are thick, pounding them evenly ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender.
• Serve with garlic bread to soak up extra sauce for a comforting meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from breaking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra flavor. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with Mozzarella Chicken Skillet?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a fresh green salad also complement the rich, creamy sauce nicely.

Mozzarella Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 54 reviews

Mozzarella Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tomato basil sauce, topped with melted buffalo mozzarella for a deliciously cheesy finish. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create an Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut or pounded to thin cutlets)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Toppings and Garnish

• 4 oz buffalo mozzarella (sliced)
• 1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• Additional basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and evenly season both sides of each chicken breast cutlet with the mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken breasts in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Brown the Chicken: Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Add pressed garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to release aroma. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning and salt. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring and scraping the pan to incorporate browned bits.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream until well combined. Add fresh basil and mix through the sauce.
6. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return chicken breasts to skillet, cover with sauce, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
7. Broil with Mozzarella: Place a slice of buffalo mozzarella on each chicken breast and transfer the skillet to the oven on broil for 3-5 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the skillet with additional fresh basil and serve hot over pasta or with roasted vegetables.

Notes

• For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning.
• Use buffalo mozzarella for a creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor; regular mozzarella can be substituted.
• Carefully monitor under the broiler to prevent burning the cheese.
• This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: mozzarella chicken, chicken skillet, Italian chicken, creamy tomato chicken, one-pan chicken