Cheesy Tomato Bliss (Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella)

Are you ready to experience a taste explosion that’s equal parts comforting and utterly delightful? Meet Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella! This dish features succulent chicken fillets bathed in a luscious sauce made with jewel-like cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a generous sprinkle of melty mozzarella. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a plate of this Italian-inspired goodness that’s sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you serve it over pasta, with crusty toasted ciabatta, or alongside a fresh garden salad, this meal is bound to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, flavorful dish!

– Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, basil, and cherry tomatoes creates a rich sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
– Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness and juicy chicken, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
– Flexible & Fast: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is quick to prepare and can easily adapt to your pantry staples.
– Make-Ahead Magic: With just a few tweaks, you can prep this dish in advance for those busy nights!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll need a delightful array of fresh and pantry staples to bring Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella to life. The sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella are the real flavor game-changers in this dish!

– 4 chicken fillets
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp sweet paprika
– 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)
– 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves
– 2 mozzarella balls (chopped)
– 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
– Crushed red pepper flakes (for sprinkling)

*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Variations

One of the best parts about Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:

– Go Gluten-Free: Skip the pasta and serve it with gluten-free bread or over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles).
– Add Extra Protein: Toss in some cooked shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for an added protein punch!
– Make it Spicier: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with different vinegars like balsamic for a sweeter twist.
– Cheese it Up: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like burrata or ricotta for an even creamier texture.

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Ready to dive into cooking? Let’s get started with this straightforward step-by-step guide to making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by mincing the garlic, finely chopping the shallot, and cutting the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Generously season your chicken fillets on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. This seasoning will create a flavor-packed crust!

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

If you’re planning to finish the dish in the oven, preheat to 200 °C/400 °F now!

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken fillets and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 5: Create the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white apple vinegar, scraping up those delicious brown bits on the bottom. Stir in salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste for an extra punch of flavor, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 6: Add the Juicy Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Then, add the canned cherry tomatoes and bring everything to a boil. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes to meld the flavors together. Taste and adjust salt if needed!

Step 7: Nestle the Chicken

Now, return the chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them among the tomatoes. Sprinkle the chopped basil and mozzarella cubes all over. Finish with a generous topping of black pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or transfer the skillet to the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is ready to dazzle your dining table!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

– Don’t Rush the Searing: Allow the chicken to develop a nice crust for maximum flavor.
– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality tomatoes will elevate the dish to new heights!
– Mix Your Cheeses: For an extra cheesy delight, feel free to mix in different types of cheese based on your preferences.
– Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning to suit your palate!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garnishes

Elevate your dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for that gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic charm or plate it up family-style with crusty bread on the side for dipping into that dreamy sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the flavors.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before adding the mozzarella. Simply thaw, reheat, and add the cheese before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of broth to keep the sauce juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted to your liking. Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference!

How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to use gluten-free bread or pasta if you’re serving it with those.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and quickly sear the chicken right before serving.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a delightful, comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a love-filled dish that will warm your heart and fill your home with irresistible aromas. Happy cooking!