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. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a comforting meal that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – With a total cooking time of only 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed – The combination of garlic, fresh basil, and mozzarella creates a rich flavor profile that is sure to satisfy.
• Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it over pasta, on toasted ciabatta, or alongside a big salad for a complete meal.
• Affordable Ingredients – Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily sourced, making this dish budget-friendly.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and vibrant flavors in this dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking, gather your tools and prepare your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large ovenproof skillet – This allows for both stovetop cooking and oven baking in one pan, saving time on cleanup.
• Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.

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
• 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: Prepare Your Ingredients

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

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken fillets on both sides with:
1. Salt
2. Pepper
3. Garlic powder
4. Paprika

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

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

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 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 another 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 salt if needed. Meanwhile, chop fresh basil leaves.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

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

Serve your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella hot alongside pasta or ciabatta! Enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Toss cooked pasta in olive oil and garlic, then serve it under the chicken for a hearty meal.
• Penne Arrabbiata: The spicy tomato sauce complements the flavors of the chicken perfectly.

On Toasted Ciabatta

• Grilled Ciabatta: Lightly toast slices of ciabatta and spoon the chicken and sauce over them for a delightful open-faced sandwich.
• Garlic Bread: Serve slices of garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Use fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes for a refreshing side that ties in with the main dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

To ensure your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella turns out just right, follow these practical tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken. A good amount of salt, pepper, and paprika enhances flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic make a noticeable difference in taste compared to dried alternatives.
• Monitor cooking time: Cook chicken fillets until golden brown but avoid overcooking them; they should be juicy inside.
• Simmer properly: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough so that all flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
• Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese; adding provolone or gouda can add nice flavors.
• Garnish well: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds color and an extra kick to your presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

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

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic make for a comforting side that complements the dish well.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: This light salad made from quinoa mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs adds freshness.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides crunch and is an easy way to add greens to your meal.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth enhances the flavor profile while providing a neutral base for the rich chicken dish.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed makes for a healthy alternative to pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when trying out a new recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavor. Always be generous with salt, pepper, and spices on both sides of the chicken fillets.
• Bold cooking temperature: Cooking on too high heat can burn the garlic and shallots while leaving the chicken undercooked. Use medium heat for even cooking and flavor development.
• Bold neglecting prep: Skipping prep work before cooking can slow you down and cause confusion. Measure ingredients and chop vegetables beforehand to streamline your process.
• Bold ignoring simmer time: Rushing the simmering phase will not allow flavors to meld. Let the sauce simmer for at least 5 minutes to enhance its deliciousness.
• Bold skipping cheese options: Using only mozzarella limits your flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like burrata or feta for added richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella that may help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer those options.

What side dishes pair well with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

This dish goes wonderfully with pasta, toasted ciabatta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How can I customize the flavors in Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

Feel free to add additional herbs like oregano or thyme, or toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can omit mozzarella or use dairy-free cheese alternatives suitable for melting.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and gooey cheese into one irresistible meal. Its versatility allows you to adapt flavors and sides according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy exploring your culinary creativity!