If there’s one thing I’ve learned after juggling school pick-ups, endless Zoom meetings, and the occasional “what’s for dinner?” panic—it’s this: a solid one-skillet recipe can save your sanity. This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is the kind of weeknight dinner magic you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the right amount of fancy without actually being fussy.
The real kicker? It comes together in under 45 minutes with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. So whether you’re feeding picky kids, impressing a date, or just treating yourself to something better than takeout—this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
Let’s break it down—because this dish is more than just pretty cheese pulls and tomato goodness (although, those are very welcome perks).
- Flavor-packed: Think juicy chicken fillets, a garlicky tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella all mingling in one pan.
- One-skillet wonder: Minimal mess, maximum flavor. That means fewer dishes, and honestly, that’s always a win.
- Flexible: Don’t have white wine? Use broth. Want more heat? Bring on the red pepper flakes.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters are known to surrender to melty mozzarella.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it real: you probably have half of this list already.
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
For the Cherry Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup white wine (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) cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 mozzarella balls, chopped
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
You’ve got this. Here’s how it all comes together, step-by-step.
- Prep like a pro.
Before anything touches heat, chop that shallot, mince your garlic, and cube the mozzarella. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. - Season the chicken.
Pat your fillets dry and give them a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Massage it in like you’re giving the chicken a little spa day. - Sear it to perfection.
Heat your olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear each fillet for 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and tent with foil to keep warm. - Sauce it up.
In the same skillet (no need to wash, flavor lives here!), toss in the shallots and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Deglaze with white wine—scrape up all those brown bits with a wooden spoon. That’s where the magic is! - Build your sauce.
Stir in the salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Let it cook for a minute, then pour in the broth and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes. - Bring it all together.
Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Sprinkle chopped basil and those dreamy mozzarella cubes over the top. Add a little Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. - Finish it off.
Simmer for another 5 minutes on the stove until the mozzarella is soft and melty. OR, pop the whole thing in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips for a Foolproof Finish
- No wine? No problem. Just use extra broth.
- Want it extra cheesy? Add more mozzarella. There’s no such thing as too much cheese.
- Low on time? Slice the chicken into thinner cutlets for a faster cook.
- Make it a meal: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for sopping up all that saucy goodness.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, it was a total accident. I was low on time, had some sad-looking basil and a half-used can of tomatoes, and just kind of threw it all in a pan. And you know what? My kids licked their plates clean. It’s been a favorite ever since—and now, it’s yours too.

FAQs About Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Crushed tomatoes work great—just expect a slightly smoother sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I make it ahead?
Yep! Just stop before adding the mozzarella. Reheat and finish with cheese just before serving.
Concluion
So, the next time you’re standing in front of the fridge, halfway tempted to just order takeout again, remember this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella. It’s your new secret weapon for those “what’s for dinner?” moments—comforting, simple, and packed with flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t).
Whether you’re cooking for your hungry crew, hosting a friend for wine night, or just treating yourself to a cozy meal in fuzzy socks and sweats, this dish delivers every time. It brings together the best of both worlds—rich, garlicky tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella—with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Plus, it all happens in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the good stuff (ahem, that glass of wine you opened for the sauce).
Ready to wow your family—or hey, just yourself? Grab a skillet, light a candle if you’re feeling fancy, and let’s cook up some magic together. You’ve got this.
Discover More Chicken Magic: Recipes You’ll Also Love
If this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella has won over your taste buds, you’re in for a treat. We’ve got a whole world of easy, delicious chicken dinners waiting for you right here at Chicken Magic Recipes. Whether you’re craving bold flavors, creamy comfort, or something fresh and herby, there’s a recipe that’s just right for your next meal.
Here are a few reader favorites that pair beautifully with tonight’s dish—or stand strong on their own:
- For a bold and creamy twist, try our Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta—it’s a pasta-night dream come true with rich textures and savory chicken.
- If you love skillet-style meals, you’ll adore our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.
- Looking for something with a Mediterranean flair? This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice delivers brightness and balance in every bite.
- Want another tomato-and-mozzarella winner? Don’t miss the Chicken and Mozzarella Bake—a bubbling, cheesy hug in casserole form.
Let your next dinner be just as magical. Explore more recipes, find new favorites, and keep bringing joy to your table—one chicken dish at a time.
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Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting, one-skillet dish featuring juicy chicken fillets simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce with melty mozzarella and fresh basil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something simple yet special.
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 white wine (or extra chicken broth)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
2 mozzarella balls, chopped
3 tbsp grated Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic, chop shallot, and cube mozzarella before you start cooking.
Season Chicken: Pat fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and cover with foil.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic and shallot for 2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up brown bits.
Build Flavor: Stir in salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute. Add broth and tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Chicken & Cheese: Nestle chicken into the sauce. Add basil, mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 more minutes or bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve Hot: Enjoy as-is or over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Substitute crushed tomatoes if cherry tomatoes aren’t available.
Use extra broth instead of wine for an alcohol-free version.
Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes.
This recipe pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Skillet / Baked
- Cuisine: American , Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg