Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella: A One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients, look no further than Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella. This dish combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich garlic tomato sauce, all topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. It’s bold, savory, comforting—and ready in under 40 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding the whole family or planning a romantic dinner at home, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and cheesy satisfaction to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Tomato Chicken

🍅 Bold, savory tomato and garlic flavors
🧀 Melted mozzarella cheese makes it irresistibly comforting
🍗 Juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection
🧄 Ready in just one skillet and under 40 minutes
🥘 Low-carb, keto-friendly, and easy to pair with veggies or pasta
📦 Meal-prep and freezer friendly

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver incredible flavor with minimal fuss.

🧄 For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved to make cutlets
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

🍅 For the Tomato Garlic Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste

🧀 Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
• Optional: fresh basil, parsley, or grated Parmesan for garnish

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Optional Add-Ins

🥬 Spinach – stir in a handful for extra greens
🫒 Chopped olives or capers – for briny contrast
🧅 Caramelized onions for extra sweetness
🌿 Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano

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How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

1. Slice large chicken breasts in half horizontally to create cutlets.
2. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken cutlets and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
3. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Tomato Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
2. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, sugar, and Italian seasoning.
4. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

1. Nestle the seared chicken cutlets into the simmering sauce.
2. Sprinkle (or lay slices of) mozzarella evenly over each piece of chicken.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes!

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What to Serve with Garlic Tomato Chicken

🍝 Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles)
🥦 Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
🥔 Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
🥖 Crusty bread to soak up that sauce
🥗 Side salad with vinaigrette for a lighter option

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Tips for Success

🧀 Use low-moisture mozzarella for quicker melting
🍅 Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the tomato flavor
🔥 Want it spicy? Add extra red pepper flakes
🥄 Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for richer sauce
🌿 Use fresh herbs whenever possible for best flavor

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

🧊 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

🔁 Reheat:

• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.

❄️ Freezing:

• Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

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Health & Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Serves 4)

• Calories: ~350–400
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 6–8g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

🧮 Nutritional info may vary based on ingredients used.

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Variations and Dietary Swaps

🧈 Dairy-free? Use plant-based mozzarella or skip the cheese entirely.
🌿 Low-sodium? Choose no-salt-added tomatoes and reduce cheese.
🍗 Use thighs instead – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully.
🍄 Make it meatless – Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or eggplant slices.
🥬 Add veggies – Layer in spinach, kale, or roasted zucchini for more nutrients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened) and cook longer until they break down into sauce.

Can I bake this instead of stovetop?

Absolutely! After searing the chicken and making the sauce, assemble everything in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Make the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead, then assemble and reheat before serving.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff
✅ Quick weeknight recipe, yet dinner-party worthy
✅ Cheesy, saucy, satisfying – comfort food made healthier
✅ Works for low-carb, gluten-free, and keto diets
✅ Customizable with endless flavor add-ons

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Final Thoughts: A New Weeknight Favorite

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, budget-friendly, and irresistibly cheesy. With a robust tomato garlic sauce and melty mozzarella over tender chicken, every bite feels comforting yet fresh.

Serve it over pasta, tuck it into a sandwich roll, or enjoy it as a protein-packed low-carb meal — either way, this easy skillet dinner will steal the show.

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