One-Pan Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a weeknight hero. It's a complete meal in one pan, with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and finished with bubbling mozzarella. The sauce is thick enough to coat pasta or soak into crusty bread, and the whole thing comes together in about 50 minutes.

The key is to sear the chicken first to develop a golden crust, then let it finish cooking gently in the sauce. This keeps the meat juicy while infusing it with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes. The mozzarella melts over the top for a creamy, stringy finish that makes every bite satisfying.

If you're looking for a dish that feels special but doesn't require hours of effort, this is it. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together.

About the Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)

Pound to even thickness for uniform cooking. Substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor.

2 tbsp olive oil

Use extra virgin for best flavor. Can substitute with avocado oil.

6 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is key. Use a microplane for fine mince. Jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.

1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes

Use San Marzano for sweetness. Crushed tomatoes give a thicker sauce than diced.

1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth

Low-sodium recommended. Substitute with water or white wine.

1 tsp dried oregano

Use 1 tbsp fresh if you have it. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

1/2 tsp salt

Adjust to taste. Sea salt or kosher works well.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground is best for flavor.

1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Use low-moisture part-skim for better melting. Fresh mozzarella can be torn into pieces.

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Fresh basil adds brightness. Substitute with parsley.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them to an even thickness.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when searing. Cook in batches if needed to get a nice golden crust.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

3. Sauté the Garlic

Reduce heat to medium (300°F/150°C). Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

4. Build the Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.

5. Return Chicken

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

6. Add Mozzarella

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the chicken and sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Broil for Finish

If you like a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is spotty brown. Watch closely.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta, rice, or bread.

Delicious Variations

• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra veggies.
• Use Italian seasoning blend instead of oregano for a more complex flavor.
• For a creamy twist, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream after simmering the sauce.

How to Store Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Frequently Asked Questions

If you try this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Share your tips and variations!

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Juicy chicken in a rich garlic tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. A one-pan dinner ready in 50 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time4Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prep the Chicken — Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. 2Sear the Chicken — Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
3. 3Sauté the Garlic — Reduce heat to medium (300°F/150°C). Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. 4Build the Sauce — Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. 5Return Chicken — Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
6. 6Add Mozzarella — Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the chicken and sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. 7Broil for Finish — If you like a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is spotty brown. Watch closely.
8. 8Garnish and Serve — Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta, rice, or bread.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a deeper flavor, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. The slight smokiness elevates the dish.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Italian-American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 30g protein · 8g carbs · 15g fat

Written by Diego Fernandez

Diego covers personal finance for freelancers and gig workers, with a focus on budgeting, taxes, and retirement planning. He breaks down complex money topics into simple, step-by-step guides.