chicken mozzarella skillet

I am so excited to share this recipe with you today! What is your favorite chicken mozzarella skillet? I remember the first time I made it; it was a big deal. It was one of those chaotic weeknights where dinner felt like a mountain to climb. My little ones were hovering, hungry, and I just needed something that wouldn’t keep me in a rut. Is the kitchen a forever home What a delicious chicken mozzarella skillet! What is that comforting, cheesy goodness everyone loves, but with a depth of flavor that makes it special? It’s kind of like my Baked Chicken parmesan, but even easier and with a delightful gooey mozzarella. Is there a pull that is irresist If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple, you have come to the right place. I landed in the right spot.

What is a chicken mozzarella skillet?

What is this magical chicken mozzarella skillet? What’s your favorite Italian-American chicken? We’re talking tender, Juicy Chicken breasts that are seared to perfection, nestled in a rich, savory sauce. What is the best way to serve mozzarella and tomato sauce together? What’s all cooked right there in your skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more flavor. Is it really that easy to make a comfort food that takes hours to cook? What is the kind of meal that brings a smile to everyone’s face, from the pickiest eaters to the most sarcastic. What are some of the It’s essentially a hug in the skillet, with bright tomato flavors, savory chicken, and that glorious, golden brown color. Stretchy mozzarella. What

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this chicken mozzarella skillet has earned its spot in my regular rotation, and I have a feeling you’ll love it just as much! First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that wonderful savory chicken, the sweetness of the tomatoes, a hint of garlic and herbs, and then, of course, the glorious, melted mozzarella that ties it all together. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures! But honestly, what I love most about this recipe is its sheer simplicity. It truly is a weeknight lifesaver. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a miracle in my book. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Chicken breast, a can of tomatoes, some cheese – these are all pantry staples or easily accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank. And talk about versatile! We’ll get into serving suggestions later, but this chicken mozzarella skillet pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or even a simple side salad. It’s the kind of dish that’s adaptable and forgiving, which is exactly what I need when I’m short on time or energy. It’s a far cry from my more involved Chicken cacciatore, but it delivers a similar comforting Italian vibe with a fraction of the effort.

How do I make a chicken mozzarella skillet?

Quick Overview

How do you make a chicken mozzarella skillet? We’ll quickly sear the chicken to get a lovely golden crust, then build up some simple, flavorful tomato sauce. How do you make a sauce in the same pan? What happens when the chicken is steamed and topped with the sauce? What is the best mozzarella cheese? What’s your favorite way to serve dinner? Cover it up, let it melt and get bubbly. Is it a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes deliciousness? No complicated steps, just straightforward cooking that yields amazing results every time.

Ingredients

What are the ingredients for this chicken mozzarella skillet?

For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6-8 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon pepper. 2 tablespoon
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
What is 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper?
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon saffr
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)

For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped.
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 can crushed tomatoes. (28 ounces)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

For the Topping: What are some
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or shredded.
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

How do you follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet – cast iron is my absolute favorite for this, but any good quality skillet will work. You want something that can go from stovetop to oven, or at least hold the sauce and chicken nicely. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, don’t worry, we’ll cover it on the stovetop! Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a super important step for getting a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t skip this seasoning step; it builds so much flavor from the start!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown. We’re not cooking them all the way through here, just getting a nice crust. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the skillet – all those browned bits are pure flavor gold!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. That little bit of char on the onions adds a nice depth, but burned garlic is just… well, it’s burned.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and the sugar (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, submerging them slightly into the tomato sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This is where the chicken really finishes cooking and absorbs all those delicious sauce flavors. You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender. You can check this by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily.

Step 6: Top with Mozzarella

Once the chicken is cooked and tender, it’s time for the best part: the cheese! Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella (or sprinkle the shredded mozzarella) evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop it under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, or into a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, just pop the lid back on and let the residual heat melt the cheese for a few minutes. The goal is gooey, melty perfection!

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once the cheese is gloriously melted, remove the skillet from the heat (or oven/broiler). Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, if you have them, for a burst of freshness and color. That’s it! Your delicious chicken mozzarella skillet is ready to be devoured.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Carefully serve the chicken directly from the skillet. You can place a chicken breast on each plate, spooning extra sauce and melted cheese over it. It’s absolutely divine served with a side of pasta, creamy polenta, crusty bread for dipping, or even just some steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness!

What should I serve it with?

This chicken mozzarella skillet is so versatile, it’s perfect for so many occasions! For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, I often serve it with a big bowl of spaghetti or linguine. The tomato sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, and that melted mozzarella is just pure heaven. My kids absolutely love it this way; they’ll happily slurp up every last noodle. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a simple side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus is fantastic. The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the cheese. For a more substantial meal, especially when we have guests, I’ll pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy serving of rice – the rice soaks up all that delicious sauce! And don’t underestimate the power of a good crusty bread for dipping. We always fight over the last pieces to mop up the leftover sauce. It’s also surprisingly good with a side of roasted zucchini or bell peppers if you want to add more veggies into the mix. Honestly, this dish is so forgiving, you can really serve it with whatever you have on hand or whatever your family is craving.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Mozzarella Skillet

I’ve made this chicken mozzarella skillet so many times, and through trial and error (and a few happy accidents!), I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate it. First, don’t be afraid of the sear! Getting a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken before you add it to the sauce is key. It not only adds great flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks. I learned that the hard way when I first tried just poaching the chicken in the sauce – it was okay, but lacked that depth. Another tip is with the sauce: make sure to scrape up all those little browned bits left in the pan after searing the chicken. That’s called the “fond,” and it’s where a ton of flavor is hiding. For the mozzarella, fresh is usually best if you can get it. It melts more evenly and has that glorious stretch. However, if you only have pre-shredded, that works perfectly fine too! Just make sure you give it enough time to melt and get bubbly. When it comes to simmering the chicken in the sauce, don’t rush it. Letting it cook gently for 10-15 minutes allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all the delicious tomato flavor. If you find your sauce is a little too acidic, a tiny pinch of sugar really does make a difference. I’ve also experimented with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little warmth, which my husband loves. For the cheese, if you want it a bit more browned, a quick stint under the broiler is your best friend, but watch it closely because it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash! Lastly, a little fresh basil or parsley sprinkled over the top at the end not only looks beautiful but adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich, cheesy goodness.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This chicken mozzarella skillet is so good, you’ll want to make extra! If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The cheese might firm up a little bit as it cools, but don’t worry, it’ll be just as delicious when reheated. When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a tiny splash of water or broth to the skillet to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from sticking. Cover it and let it gently warm through. This helps maintain the tender texture of the chicken. If you’re in a real hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, but I find the stovetop method yields the best results for texture. For the cheese, it will melt again beautifully. If you’re reheating a larger batch, you could even pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to get that melty, bubbly topping again. I’ve never tried freezing this particular dish, mostly because it disappears so quickly in my house, but I imagine it would work if you’re careful. If you do freeze it, I’d recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the cheese, and then adding fresh mozzarella when you reheat. That way, the cheese won’t get a weird, grainy texture.

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! This chicken mozzarella skillet is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta or serve it with rice or a salad. The chicken itself is gluten-free. If you’re looking for a gluten-free bread to serve alongside for dipping, there are some fantastic options available now. Just make sure all your sauce ingredients (like any pre-made seasonings or stocks you might use, though this recipe uses simple dried ones) are certified gluten-free if that’s a concern for you. The core ingredients here are naturally gluten-free and wonderfully delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Oh, that’s a great question, but… wait a minute! This recipe doesn’t actually use zucchini. My apologies if there was a mix-up! This is my chicken mozzarella skillet, which features tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella. If you’re thinking of a zucchini recipe, I’ve got plenty of those too, and for those, peeling is often optional depending on the recipe and your preference for texture! Let me know if you’d like a zucchini recipe suggestion!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this is designed as a skillet dish, you could potentially adapt some of the flavors into a muffin format, though it would be a very different kind of meal! Perhaps a savory muffin with tomato, cheese, and chicken bits? It wouldn’t have the gooey mozzarella topping in the same way, of course. For this specific chicken mozzarella skillet recipe, I’d recommend sticking to the skillet as intended to get that perfect melty cheese experience. If you’re looking for savory muffin ideas, I can certainly point you in the right direction!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

That’s easy! The recipe includes an optional sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, which is really a personal preference. If you find tomatoes are often too acidic for you, start with the 1/2 teaspoon and taste. You can always add a little more. If you prefer it less sweet, you can omit it entirely, or add even less. Some people also find a tiny bit of honey or even a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a lovely depth of flavor without making it overtly sweet. It’s all about tasting and adjusting to your own palate!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

This recipe doesn’t actually have a glaze; it’s topped with melted mozzarella cheese! If you’re thinking about a glaze for a different dish, or perhaps you meant a different kind of topping for this chicken, then yes, there are tons of options! Instead of mozzarella, you could try a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone and parmesan. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the end adds a lovely brightness. Some people even like a dollop of ricotta cheese. For a richer flavor, you could add a spoonful of pesto right before serving. But honestly, the melted mozzarella is what makes this chicken mozzarella skillet so special and comforting!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolutely beloved chicken mozzarella skillet! It’s truly a recipe that’s made its way into my heart, and I hope it does the same for you. It’s proof that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey, melted mozzarella is just a classic for a reason. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a casual weekend dinner. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment below and tell me what you think! Did your family love it as much as mine does? Did you add any of your own special twists? Don’t forget to share your photos if you make it! Happy cooking, everyone!

chicken mozzarella skillet

What is a chicken mozzarella skillet?

Why you’ll love this recipe?