Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella: A Flavorful, One-Pan Family Favorite

If you’re searching for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort, this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is the perfect choice. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a creamy, comforting finish. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is versatile, foolproof, and universally loved. The combination of sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and gooey cheese creates a harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan wonder – No need for multiple pots and pans; everything cooks together for maximum flavor.
Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-friendly – Mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable – Easily adapt with extra veggies, different cheeses, or added herbs.
Meal-prep friendly – Great for leftovers and reheats beautifully.

The Origins & Inspiration Behind Garlic Tomato Chicken

While this dish doesn’t have a specific historical origin, it draws inspiration from Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, where tomatoes, garlic, and fresh cheese are staple ingredients.

Italian Influence: The combination of tomatoes and mozzarella is reminiscent of Caprese salad, while the garlic-infused tomato sauce mirrors the flavors found in chicken parmesan.
Mediterranean Touch: The use of olive oil, garlic, and herbs aligns with classic Mediterranean cooking, known for its bold yet balanced flavors.

Fun Fact: Mozzarella cheese was originally made from water buffalo milk in Italy, but today’s versions (like the fresh mozzarella used here) are typically made from cow’s milk and still deliver that creamy, melty perfection.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
1 tsp paprika (adds a subtle smokiness)
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high-heat cooking)

For the Garlic Tomato Sauce:

4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes for texture)
½ cup (120ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for variation)
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano)
1 tsp dried basil (or fresh basil for a brighter taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

For the Cheesy Topping:

1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella works too)
¼ cup (25g) grated parmesan (adds a salty, nutty depth)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish and freshness)

Equipment Needed:

Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best)
Tongs (for flipping chicken easily)
Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)
Measuring spoons (for precise seasoning)

Pro Tips for Best Results:

Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.
Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk into the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this ensures a better sear).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove chicken and set aside on a plate (it will finish cooking later).

3. Make the Flavorful Garlic Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4. Return Chicken & Add Cheese

Place the chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over each piece.
Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts.

5. Broil for a Golden, Bubbly Finish (Optional)

If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot with your favorite sides (see pairing suggestions below).

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

✅ Chicken too dry?

Pound thicker breasts to an even ½-inch thickness before cooking.
Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C is ideal).

✅ Sauce too thin?

Let it simmer uncovered for an extra 2–3 minutes.
Mix in 1 tbsp tomato paste for a thicker consistency.

✅ No oven-safe skillet?

Transfer to a baking dish before broiling.
Simply cover with a lid to melt the cheese if broiling isn’t an option.

Variations & Customizations

🌿 Herb Lover’s Version – Add fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy aroma.
🍅 Extra Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini while making the sauce.
🧀 Different Cheeses – Try provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
🌶 Spicier Kick – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Perfect Pairings:

Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or penne for a hearty meal.
Bread: Serve with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce.
Salad: A simple Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
Grains: Pair with risotto, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

Garnish Like a Pro:

Fresh basil leaves
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Extra parmesan shavings

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

Freeze (without cheese) for up to 2 months.
Add cheese when reheating for the best texture.

Meal Prep Hack:

Double the sauce and freeze it separately for a quick future meal.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and take 6–7 minutes per side to cook.

Can I make this with fresh tomatoes?

Absolutely! Use 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes and simmer longer to break them down.

What if I don’t have mozzarella?

Substitute with provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a different flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a foolproof, flavor-packed dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out in the comments! 🍅🧀🍗