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 dish. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with pasta or toasted ciabatta. The rich sauce and gooey mozzarella are truly a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella creates a deliciously rich sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, with bread, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cheesy, savory dish that is sure to satisfy.
• Minimal Cleanup: One-skillet cooking means less time cleaning up after dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or ovenproof skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet or ovenproof skillet: Ideal for both stovetop and oven use; it helps achieve a perfect sear on the chicken while allowing for easy transfer to the oven.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables like shallots and garlic.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for seasoning your dish perfectly.

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Ingredients

To create this delectable Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 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

For the Sauce

• 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 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: Prepare 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
– Black pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 200 °C/400 °F if you’re using it later.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
– Heat olive oil and butter together.
– Add the seasoned chicken fillets.
– Cook for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and browned.
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, simmering for another 2 minutes while scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
– Add salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste; stir constantly for 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth and stir well. Add canned cherry tomatoes:
– Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for about 5 minutes.
– Adjust salt if needed while you chop basil leaves.

Step 6: Nestle Chicken & Add Toppings

Nestle cooked chicken into the sauce:
– Add chopped basil leaves and mozzarella cubes on top.
– Sprinkle with black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan.
Let simmer for another 5 minutes or bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella!

How to Serve Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a versatile dish that can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a meal for yourself, consider these serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Pasta

• Pair the chicken with your favorite pasta such as spaghetti or penne. The tomato sauce complements the pasta beautifully and adds a comforting touch.

On Toasted Ciabatta

• Serve the chicken on slices of toasted ciabatta for a delightful twist. This makes for an excellent appetizer or light meal option, perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.

With a Big Side Salad

• A fresh side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works wonderfully. It balances the richness of the cheese and chicken, adding freshness to your plate.

Over Rice

• Spoon the garlic tomato mixture over fluffy rice. This hearty combination absorbs all the flavors, making it a filling meal that’s easy to prepare.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Accompany the dish with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The smoky flavor enhances the overall taste while contributing essential nutrients.

As Part of a Wrap

• Use wraps or tortillas to make a flavorful chicken wrap. Add some spinach and sliced tomatoes for extra freshness and crunch.

How to Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Perfecting this dish requires attention to detail and a few tips that can elevate your cooking game. Here are some suggestions:

• Prep Ahead: Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures smooth cooking without any last-minute rush.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and basil instead of dried ones. They provide more vibrant flavors in your sauce.

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s done to keep it juicy. Overcooking can lead to dryness.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce as you cook and adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference.

• Choose Quality Cheese: Use high-quality mozzarella for better meltability and flavor; fresh mozzarella is an excellent choice.

• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Complementing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella can enhance your meal further. Here are some delightful side dishes that pair well:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy bread infused with garlic butter makes for an excellent dipper into the rich tomato sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of your main dish.
3. Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty, crunchy contrast that pairs perfectly with saucy chicken.
4. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon dressing adds lightness and texture.
5. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a classic Italian side that complements your main course nicely.
6. Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic offers a nutritious green addition that’s quick to prepare.
7. Couscous Pilaf – Fluffy couscous infused with herbs provides an aromatic base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
8. Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles offer a fresh alternative that pairs well with tomato sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and even experienced chefs sometimes make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to keep in mind when making Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides of the chicken before cooking for the best taste.

• Not preheating the skillet: Cooking chicken in a cold skillet can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your skillet with oil and butter before adding the chicken.

• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken in the skillet at once can lower the temperature and cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a nice sear.

• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can result in dry meat. Letting it rest covered for a few minutes allows juices to redistribute.

• Using low-quality tomatoes: The flavor of your dish hinges on good-quality tomatoes. Opt for canned cherry tomatoes or crushed tomatoes that are vine-ripened for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just label with the date.

Reheating Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella.

What can I serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella?

You can serve this dish with pasta, toasted ciabatta, or a fresh salad to enhance your meal experience.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for varying flavors and textures.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, you could reduce the amount of cheese used or add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers into the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners easier!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any dinner occasion. You can customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or trying different herbs based on your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to give this easy recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!