Mozzarella Chicken Skillet Recipe
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
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
- Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and evenly season both sides of each chicken breast cutlet with the mixture.
- 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.
- Brown the Chicken: Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 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.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream until well combined. Add fresh basil and mix through the sauce.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return chicken breasts to skillet, cover with sauce, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- 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.
- 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