Name: Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup dry white wine (such as 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 / 400 g) cherry tomatoes or crushed tomatoes; 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves; 2 mozzarella balls, chopped; 3 tbsp grated Parmesan; Crushed red pepper flakes for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

I absolutely love making this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe whenever I want something comforting yet fresh, with bright, bold flavors that never fail to impress. Tender chicken fillets cooked in a luscious cherry tomato sauce, finished with fragrant fresh basil and melting mozzarella, create a mouthwatering combination that’s truly irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together surprisingly easily, making it a go-to favorite in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out to me is the vibrant flavor profile. The garlic and sweet paprika on the chicken provide a subtle warmth that complements the rich cherry tomato sauce perfectly. When the mozzarella melts over the top, it adds a creamy, indulgent layer that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. Every bite bursts with satisfying, fresh ingredients that remind me of cozy family dinners with a gourmet twist.

Another thing I love about this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe is how straightforward it is to pull together. The ingredients are simple and commonly found, and the steps are easy enough to whip up any weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, it’s versatile—from warming up your regular dinner routine to being an elegant dish for special occasions. I find this meal hits the sweet spot between being deliciously comforting and effortlessly impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round red pot holds a rich, thick orange-red tomato sauce with small whole cherry tomatoes scattered throughout. Three large, golden-brown seasoned chicken pieces are partially submerged in the sauce, with black pepper and herbs sprinkled on top. Soft white melted cheese blobs are melting into the sauce around the chicken, creating a creamy texture. The pot sits on a rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I keep the ingredient list simple because each one plays a vital role in making this dish shine. From the garlic’s aromatic depth to the tangy brightness of the cherry tomatoes and the creamy mozzarella, these ingredients come together to craft a harmonious and colorful plate.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken fillets: Look for tender, evenly sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every other flavor in the dish.
Garlic powder & fresh garlic: A double boost of garlicky goodness—powder for seasoning and fresh for aroma and flavor.
Sweet paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth with no heat, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Cherry tomato sauce & canned cherry tomatoes: These bring vibrant color, sweetness, and acidity that make the sauce sing.
Olive oil & unsalted butter: A perfect combo for searing the chicken and layering richness into the sauce.
Shallot: Its mild onion flavor sweetens and deepens the sauce base.
Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio): Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to deglaze the pan and create depth.
Dried basil & fresh basil leaves: The dried herb infuses the sauce while fresh basil tops it off with fragrant freshness.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
Chicken broth: Brings savory richness and perfect moisture balance.
Mozzarella balls & grated Parmesan: These cheeses melt and meld, creating creamy, flavorful layers.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A sprinkle adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Before you begin cooking, do all your prep work. Mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and cut the mozzarella into cubes. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Season your chicken fillets carefully on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. This simple seasoning sets a flavorful foundation that really shines in the final dish.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F) if you plan to finish the chicken in the oven for a beautifully golden top and melted cheese.

Step 4: Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and sear for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a lovely brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate, tenting loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 5: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and softened but not browned. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute while constantly stirring to meld those flavors. Then pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything together.

Step 7: Add the canned cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes if preferred), bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Meanwhile, chop your fresh basil leaves to add vibrant flavor at the end.

Step 8: Nestle the chicken fillets back into the cherry tomato sauce. Scatter the chopped basil and mozzarella cubes over the top. Sprinkle generously with freshly cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and finish with grated Parmesan.

Step 9: Let everything simmer gently for about 5 more minutes, allowing the mozzarella to melt and the flavors to marry. Alternatively, you can transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until you get a beautiful golden top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe makes a satisfying meal for 4 people. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and roughly 25 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to about 35 minutes. There’s no resting time required, so it’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.

How to Serve This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe

A white round plate filled with thick spaghetti noodles coated in a chunky red tomato sauce with bits of herbs and small pieces of cooked chicken mixed in, topped with a large, golden-brown grilled chicken piece placed in the center. Around the chicken, there are several bright red whole cherry tomatoes glistening in the sauce. The plate sits on a rustic wooden surface with a warm, natural light highlighting the textures of the chicken and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this chicken, I love pairing it with a simple pasta tossed lightly in olive oil or butter—the sauce clings so well to noodles and makes every bite irresistible. Toasted ciabatta bread also works wonders for soaking up all that garlicky, cheesy tomato goodness. For a fresh contrast, a big crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zingy vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance the richness.

For presentation, I like to garnish the dish with a few extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving—it adds that bright pop of color and aroma that makes the meal feel special. My go-to serving style is warm—straight from the skillet or oven—because the melted mozzarella is at its gooey best and the aroma fills the room.

If you’re in the mood for wine, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the acidity and freshness of the tomato sauce perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light iced tea brightens the palate beautifully. This dish is a winner for family dinners, date nights, or even casual gatherings where you want to impress without fuss.

Variations

I often like to switch things up by experimenting with different cheeses. If you want a more intense flavor, swapping mozzarella with fontina or provolone can add a delightful twist. For a bit of smokiness, adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce brings an extra layer of depth. If you’re short on fresh basil, fresh parsley or oregano work just as well.

If you’re cooking for someone who is gluten-free, no worries here—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and tomato products are confirmed gluten-free. For a vegan spin, I’ve tried using thick tofu steaks instead of chicken and swapping mozzarella for a plant-based cheese that melts well. You can also roast the cherry tomatoes separately and blend them into the sauce for a smoother texture if you prefer.

Sometimes I like to finish the dish under the broiler for a couple minutes instead of baking to get extra bubbly and crisp cheese topping. And if you don’t want to use wine, just replace it with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for that hint of brightness in the sauce. The flexibility of this recipe makes it perfect for adapting to whatever ingredients or preferences you have on hand.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to use glass containers because they maintain freshness and don’t absorb odors. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

Freezing is also possible, though I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the cheese to preserve texture better. Store in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add the mozzarella cubes just before serving, or if melted cheese is leftover, remove the chicken to a baking dish and bake briefly at 180 °C (350 °F) to revive that ooey-gooey texture. Avoid microwaving directly as the cheese can become rubbery and the chicken might dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy. Just keep in mind they may take a few minutes longer to cook through, so monitor the cooking time and adjust accordingly.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

White wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice. Both work nicely to brighten the sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add fresh mozzarella just before serving to maintain its creaminess.

What kind of mozzarella is best for this recipe?

Fresh mozzarella balls work best as they melt beautifully and provide a creamy texture. You can use low-moisture mozzarella if fresh isn’t available but the texture will be a bit different.

How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick that enhances the flavors without making the dish hot. You can always adjust the amount according to your spice preference or omit them if you want no heat at all.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to bring joy to the table, with its comforting textures and vibrant flavors that feel both simple and special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite go-to meal that you’ll want to make again and again.