Chicken With Mozzarella Recipe

Chicken with mozzarella is a classic Italian recipe which I have tweaked to give it a piquant flavour. By adding lemon zest, relish and fresh thyme, the end result is worth every minute spent preparing the ingredients. The chicken breast piccata retains its chicken texture and remains juicy, flavorful and delicious.

Chicken With Mozzarella Recipe

One of the family’s all-time favorites is mozzarella chicken. After being seared, tender chicken breast is cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that has basil and garlic flavoring.

The best thing is that this recipe is not only delicious but also quick and simple to prepare with only a few ingredients in just one skillet! easy to make. All devoured. very easy to clean. WINNER AT DINNER

Mozzarella Chicken – The EASY Way!

With Easy Family Recipes, I want to take tried-and-true recipes from the family, make and test them to the point where I can omit all the extra stages and share with you the recipe that will taste the best and have the most flavor with the least amount of effort.

It’s no different with our Mozzarella Chicken! It is precisely the kind of recipe that makes me so happy to share it with you because

• It is incredibly delicious!
• It is made in just ONE skillet in as little as 30 minutes – which means minimal cooking and minimal dishes.
• It is a recipe the adults love and kids enjoy just as much.
• It is homemade, but so easy, it feels like cheating!

That my friends is a recipe for winning at dinner time. This Mozzarella Chicken is the key to getting clean plates and keeping my sanity on busy weeknights.

What to serve with Mozzarella Chicken

Since this dish has the classic flavors of marinara sauce, garlic and basil, it will pair well with many of your favorite Italian side dishes. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.

SIDE DISH IDEAS

• Pasta – Shown in photos with angel hair pasta
• Roasted Vegetables
• Mashed Potatoes – This recipe is easy and EXTRA creamy
• Garlic Bread– Family favorite!
• Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Italian Tortellini Salad
• Roasted Asparagus– So quick and easy!

You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner. 

Recipe Tips

The simplicity of this Mozzarella Chicken dish is really as claimed! A family-friendly lunch may be prepared on the stovetop in about 30 minutes and one skillet.

I’ll go through a few of the strategies and techniques I employ when preparing this recipe in this part to ensure the best, tastiest results possible. I hope this clarifies any queries you might have when cooking. If not, please do so in the comments section below.

INGREDIENTS

Find my notes on types of ingredients I like, as well as, any substitutions that can be used in the section below.

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breast- You can buy thin chicken breasts for this recipe, otherwise you can use normal boneless, skinless chicken breast and just cut or pound them out. (More on this below)
  • Substitutions: Any boneless, skinless chicken can be substituted for chicken breast. Chicken thighs or tenderloins are both good options.
• Garlic powder- Make sure you use garlic powder, not garlic salt!
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive oil
• Buffalo Mozzarella- I like to use buffalo mozzarella in this recipe because of it’s mild flavor and super creamy texture. You can get it in most grocery stores in the specialty cheese section, sold whole or pre-sliced.
  • Substitutions: If you don’t have buffalo mozzarella on hand, you can substitute traditional mozzarella (either grated or sliced from a block) and it will still be good!

For the sauce:

• Fresh garlic- I really recommend using fresh garlic with a garlic press. It makes the whole dish take on those fresh, homemade flavors.
  • Substitution: If you are in a pinch, you can use jarred minced garlic here.
• Crushed tomatoes- You will use one larger can of crushed tomatoes. I like to use crushed because it gives you a thicker sauce with less chunks than using diced or whole. If you prefer a completely smooth sauce, use can use a stick blender to puree the tomatoes.
• Salt
• Heavy cream- This adds just a hint of richness to the sauce and tempers the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Substitution: To lighten the sauce up, you can substitute half and half for heavy cream.
• Grated parmesan- The parmesan cheese will make the sauce a bit heartier as well as adding flavor. Make sure and use the grated parmesan, not shredded so that it easily melts and incorporates into the sauce.
• Fresh basil- This is another ingredient that adds a ton of flavor and freshness to the dish. You can buy fresh basil plants and just use the leaves or buy a bunch of fresh basil in the refrigerated area in the produce section.
  • Substitution: If basil is out of season and no fresh basil is available, you can substitute 2 teaspoons dried basil.

METHOD

The Chicken:

Take a thin chicken breast to begin. Purchase thin chicken breasts, or slice a normal-sized or bigger chicken breast in half horizontally to achieve the desired thickness. To pound the chicken breast to the proper thickness, you can alternatively use a meat mallet.

The chicken must be thin since it cannot be cooked thoroughly in a single skillet and must cook rapidly. In order to finish cooking, more thick chicken would need to sear in the pan first.

The idea is to cook the chicken almost completely in the first stage and then let it simmer with the sauce in the last step to finish cooking. By first searing the chicken on each side, followed by boiling it at the end, this two-step process enables you to get extra flavor.

The Dressing

You start by stirring the garlic in the heated pan to make the marinara sauce. This will quickly cook the garlic, eliminating its bite while preserving its exquisite flavor of roasted garlic.

In order to fully develop the flavor, the sauce will then boil with the garlic and spices.

Then cream and parmesan cheese are added. I prefer to include the parmesan before the cream.

You should add the cream very gradually while whisking it gently as you do so. This enables it to mix in completely with the sauce. Cold cream can seize or curdle if you pour it in all at once and run the danger of being unable to mix into the sauce.

Putting everything together:

Reintroduce the chicken last, then sprinkle mozzarella on top.

There are two mozzarella alternatives available. You can first put the pan in the oven and broil it to melt the food. This will give your cheese a lovely bubbling brown top. Alternatively, you can simply cover the pan with the lid, which will generate enough heat to melt the cheese as well but prevent it from becoming browned on top. Do what is most convenient and beneficial for you—both are fantastic!

Recipe Short Cuts!

If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!

• Up to 24 hours in advance, you can prepare the chicken according to the recipe’s instructions. When it comes time to prepare the meal, simply continue with the directions from step 4 while making sure to pre-heat the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Use prepackaged shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken that has been torn off the bones and sliced into bite-sized pieces. If you’re in a hurry, you can omit the chicken breast entirely and just create the sauce. The final product will taste different from the original recipe’s flavor, but it will still be tasty.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Mozzarella Chicken Pasta– Make the recipe as directed through making the sauce (but before you add the chicken back in at step 5.) Toss the sauce with prepared pasta (about 16 oz uncooked) Then add the chicken back and top with mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes.
• Mozzarella Chicken and Spinach– Make the recipe as directed. After you incorporate the cream and parmesan into the sauce, stir in 2-4 oz of spinach, cooking about 3-4 minutes or until it wilts. Then add the chicken back into the sauce and continue as directed.
• Fried Mozzarella Chicken– Create a breading for the chicken by dipping it in flour, then egg, then Italian bread crumbs. Cook on medium heat in 2 tbsp olive oil 3-4 minutes per side. Then continue with recipe as directed. For more detailed instructions on breaded chicken, reference my chicken parmesan recipe.

Dietary Restrictions

If you have special dietary needs, this recipe meets some and can be modified to comply with others. 

As always, check all store bought ingredients for compliance on specific dietary needs. The notes below are a general guide.

• Gluten free: This recipe is naturally gluten free.
• Nut free: This recipe is naturally nut free
• Egg free: This recipe is naturally egg free
• Low carb: This recipe is low carb at only 9g net carbs.
• Macros: The approximate macro calculation for this recipe is- P:40g C:12g F:19g

Leftover Ideas

If you have leftovers after making Mozzarella Chicken, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

• in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
• in the freezer up to a month

LEFTOVER RECIPES

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

• Mozzarella chicken pizza– On a prepared pizza crust (or a pita bread for a smaller option) spread the sauce from the chicken over the crust. Chop the chicken and mozzarella and add evenly over pizza. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and any toppings you like such as chopped olives, chopped red peppers, banana peppers, spinach, etc.
• Mozzarella Chicken Subs– Toast a hoagie roll with butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Once lightly toasted, slice chicken breast and put it on the roll. Top with sauce and additional cheese if desired. Bake at 425˚F for 8-12 minutes or until the sandwich is heated through. Optional: add sautéed spinach to the top of the subs!
• Mozzarella Chicken Pizza Pasta Bake– Mix chopped leftover chicken, mozzarella, and sauce with prepared pasta. Place in a baking dish and cover with shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell pepper, olives, onion, etc.

30 Minute Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce

A quick meal for a weeknight dinner is chicken with mozzarella! In just 30 minutes, you can have pan-seared chicken with homemade tomato sauce and melty mozzarella!

A great start to your week!

When we begin the week with a straightforward recipe for mozzarella chicken that you can attempt, I think this week is going to be pretty darn good. The best thing is that it’s 123456789, count ’em.Dinner will be ready in about 30 minutes with just 10 ingredients.

I’ll tell it to you how it is. The greatest fear of an authentic Italian cuisine fan is this recipe! Because it is actually a jumble of everything. A straightforward chicken breast that has been seared, placed in a hasty marinara, topped with a slice of mozzarella cheese, and then broiled for one to two minutes until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and wonderful. A simple homemade tomato sauce that takes just 30 minutes to prepare has been spiced up with a secret ingredient that gives it the flavor of a sauce that has been simmering slowly ALL FLIPPIN’ DAY LONG.

If I claim a recipe takes 30 minutes, please understand that I’m being very forgiving. It’s more of a recipe for searing chicken for 6–10 minutes while pasta cooks in a pot. Then it’s a brisk 10 minutes to slow boil that sauce and voilà! The chicken is covered in homemade sauce and topped with melty, stretchy cheese before you realize it, and the entire family can smell it from a great distance.

30 minute mozzarella chicken (44 seconds):

Since the beginning of spring, this tiny recipe for mozzarella chicken has been kept secretly in the files. Since the first day of autumn, I’ve been eager to break it out along with my sweaters, soup recipes, fuzzy socks, and jar of pumpkin spice. I went to the mall, bought an enormous sweater, digitally searched for boots, and on Sunday, I had a warm cup of homemade soup for lunch despite the fact that it was 95 degrees outside. It WILL get cooler soon, I promise you; I’m that determined.

However, I’m all in with this mozzarella chicken meal no matter the weather. The handmade tomato sauce that is slowly simmering is essential. Right now. We’re talking about a quick, simple sauce that is lovely, zesty, and bright.

The first ingredient is four tiny chicken breasts. They are seasoned generously with salt and pepper on both sides before being placed in a hot skillet with some olive oil. Give them 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, to ensure they cook thoroughly. Once that is finished, remove them to a platter and leave them to sit there while you begin to make that decadent tomato sauce.

Because a sauce wouldn’t be complete without aromatics, we’ll first saute the chopped onions and garlic in all those leftover chicken pan drippings. We add a full can of crushed tomatoes once we get them going in a pan and they start to soften. For this one, the seasonings are straightforward. a little Italian spice, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.Have you figured out what the hidden ingredient is yet? Pesto made with sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon.

If you regularly read the LSJ, you are aware that I frequently use it in my soup recipes, as well as in my mozzarella chicken recipe. The pesto significantly enhances such authentic flavors. When was the last time you prepared a tomato sauce in just ten minutes yet it tasted like it had been simmering for hours? If all you have is regular pesto, that would also work for this recipe. But you must attempt to make this with tomato pesto at least once, please. It makes this recipe, I assure you.

Place the chicken breasts back into the pan once the sauce is done. Put some sauce on the chicken breast using a tablespoon. They shouldn’t dry out in the oven. Add some sliced or shredded mozzarella on top. For this dish, even provolone would be suitable. Additionally, quickly broil the dish to melt the cheese. Add some fresh parsley or basil on top.

Because that homemade marinara really begs for some pasta, I serve this with linguine. We frequently engage in the practice of fork twirling. Serve it alongside slices of crusty bread if you’re feeling especially charitable. It begs to be wiped up: that sauce.

EASY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN

One-pan, low-carb mozzarella chicken is a quick and simple dinner meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Chicken that has been pan-seared and is topped with a decadent homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. A dish that the whole family would enjoy!

One of those dishes uses a few basic ingredients to make chicken breast considerably more fascinating than it actually is. That recipe is mozzarella chicken. Give the chicken breasts all the seasoning assistance they require to improve. Because dull, uninteresting chicken is the most depressing food there is.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS MOZZARELLA CHICKEN

• single-pan dinner.Chicken, sauce, and broiling are all prepared in the same skillet.
• less than 30 minutes!include seasoning chicken, creating your own flavorful tomato sauce, and broiling the chicken until the cheese is bubbling, all in less than 30 minutes.
• Adaptable recipe.Instead of creating sauce from scratch, you can use pre-made or store-bought marinara sauce. Any cheese that melts, such as gruyere, Emmentaler, or soft goat cheese, can be used to change up the flavor. I do enjoy how melty mozzarella is. substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast.
• bursting with flavors.Flavors sing in both the sauce and the chicken breast. Try this dish for a simple chicken and cheese dinner.
• A nutritious supper that the whole family would enjoy!What’s not to love about pan-seared chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and molten, bubbling cheese? It’s high in protein!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy chicken mozzarella bake

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Red chili flakes
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parsley

Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are preferred although boneless chicken thighs can also be used.

Use any of the following tomato products: diced fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato passata, or crushed tomatoes.

Onion: excellent options are yellow Italian onions, white onions, and shallots.

If you enjoy the flavor of garlic, use more of it.

Use any seasoning of your choosing as a seasoning for chicken. Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Red pepper flakes: A generous teaspoon of these pepper flakes gives sauce a lovely, mild kick. It has bomb flavor!

Cheese: I enjoy how melty mozzarella cheese is. Anything that melts, such as gruyere, Emmentaler, or soft goat cheese, can be used to change up the type of cheese.

HOW TO MAKE MOZZARELLA CHICKEN

• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and smoked paprika are used to season chicken breast. To scatter the spices evenly, rub them. on both sides, season.
• A skillet of olive oil is heated. Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until it is thoroughly cooked and browned on both sides. Place the platter with the seared chicken aside.
• If the same skillet is too dry, add roughly 2 teaspoons extra olive oil. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion until translucent while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Once the garlic is aromatic, add the minced garlic. Pour all of the browned chicken’s juices from the dish into the skillet; it’s a flavor bomb!
• Stir in the tomato paste, red chili flakes, and smashed tomatoes. Cook and simmer the tomato sauce for about five minutes, or until it thickens.
• Add salt and pepper to sauce as desired.
• Place the seared chicken breast in the tomato sauce that has thickened.
• Tomato sauce can be used to coat chicken breasts.
• Add two to three tablespoons of mozzarella cheese to the top of each chicken breast (you can also use mozzarella pieces in place of the grated cheese).
• Move the skillet to a preheated oven that is set to the broiler setting. Till the cheese is melted, browned, hot, and bubbling, broil for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add fresh parsley as a garnish.
• Serve right away with spaghetti or a salad and some crusty bread.

💭TIPS TO MAKE BEST MOZZARELLA CHICKEN

1. Before searing, season the chicken liberally on both sides. This meal tastes better when the chicken is well-seasoned.
2. Chicken should be seared over medium heat to ensure equal cooking. Avoid using high heat because it will only quickly brown the chicken’s exterior while leaving the interior raw.
3. Tomato sauce cooked slowly is essential. By simmering the sauce slowly, you can give it more savory tastes.
4. To produce lovely crispy golden browned mozzarella cheese, don’t miss the broiling step. It’s tough to resist those crispy, melting cheese fries!

RECIPE VARIATIONS

When the sauce has thickened and is ready, you can add the spinach. Give the spinach a brief stir after it has been added, then add the seared chicken breasts and continue with the recipe as written.

You are welcome to add any type of mushroom to the sauce, such as button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.

WHAT GOES WITH MOZZARELLA CHICKEN BAKE?

Pasta and this dish of perfectly sauced and melted cheese go together well! Use any type of pasta you choose. I like spaghetti better.

My second preferred method of serving this chicken is with crusty bread and a side salad.

Serve it with zucchini noodles to maintain the low-carb diet.

Delicious with quinoa! How about rice with cauliflower? For a filling meal, try it with cauliflower rice.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHICKEN

Chicken is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world. It is a versatile food that can be cooked in many ways and is also a good source of protein. However, the health benefits of chicken go far beyond just being a protein source. In this article, we will look at 10 health benefits of chicken.

1. Protein source Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, and tissues. It is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system. A 100-gram serving of chicken breast contains about 31 grams of protein, making it a great protein source for people who are looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy body.
2. Weight management Chicken is a low-calorie and low-fat food that can help with weight management. A 100-gram serving of chicken breast contains only 165 calories and 3.6 grams of fat. It is also a good source of dietary protein, which can help reduce appetite and increase satiety, leading to fewer calories consumed overall.
3. Heart health Chicken is a good source of niacin, which is a B vitamin that helps to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease, so eating chicken can be beneficial for heart health. Additionally, chicken contains low levels of saturated fat, which can also help to lower the risk of heart disease.
4. Brain health Chicken is rich in vitamin B6, which is important for brain function. Vitamin B6 helps to produce neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to depression, confusion, and other neurological disorders.
5. Immune system health Chicken is a good source of zinc, which is important for a healthy immune system. Zinc helps to produce white blood cells, which are the cells that fight off infection and disease. Additionally, chicken contains vitamin A, which is important for a healthy immune system and helps to keep the skin and mucous membranes healthy.
6. Bone health Chicken is a good source of phosphorus, which is important for bone health. Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. A 100-gram serving of chicken breast contains about 200 milligrams of phosphorus, which is about 20% of the recommended daily intake.
7. Energy production Chicken is a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for energy production. Vitamin B12 helps to convert food into energy that the body can use. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and weakness.
8. Skin health Chicken is a good source of niacin, which is important for healthy skin. Niacin helps to keep the skin moisturized and prevents dryness and flakiness. Additionally, chicken contains vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin and helps to protect against damage from the sun and other environmental factors.
9. Vision health Chicken is a good source of vitamin A, which is important for vision health. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy eyesight and prevent vision loss. Additionally, chicken contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that help to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
10. Mood regulation Chicken is a good source of tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps to regulate mood. Tryptophan is important for the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. A deficiency in tryptophan can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

FAQS

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes you can. Use boneless chicken thighs.

Can I use store bough tomato sauce?

Yes you can use store bought marinara sauce. Or you can make your own homemade marinara sauce and store it away. Use it whenever ready to make mozzarella chicken.

What other types of cheese can I use?

I love the meltiness of mozzarella cheese. You can vary the type of cheese with anything that melts like gruyere , Emmentaler or soft goat cheese.

I don’t have a broiler, how to melt cheese?

Most OTG oven come with broiler settings. Check your oven for it. If you don’t have broiler settings or don’t want to use a broiler, you can melt cheese on stove top itself.
Cover the skillet with lid, turn on to simmer heat and cook until cheese is melted. If you are melting cheese on stove top, remember you won’t get crispy golden molten melted cheese.

Does this keep well?

Yes chicken mozzarella bake keeps and reheats well. If you have leftovers, separate into meal portion sizes and store in air tight containers.
It stays well in refrigerator for 2-3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Use tightly sealed boxes or freezer bags. Push out as much as air as possible before sealing.  You can keep frozen for up to 2 months.