Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken
Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal? This Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken is a fantastic skillet dinner recipe that brings vibrant flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, creating a satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt, but shredded low-moisture mozzarella is also fine.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal; a can of diced tomatoes (drained) can be used in a pinch.
- Fresh Basil: Dried basil can substitute, but use about one-third the amount.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved, or shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools: Large oven-safe skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This ensures flavorful chicken in your skillet dinner.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and almost cooked through.
3. Add Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Arrange the mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.
4. Finish in the Oven (Optional)
If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, cover the skillet and let it simmer on the stovetop over low heat until the cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil. Serve your delicious tomato basil mozzarella chicken immediately.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic glaze at the end for extra tang.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Include thinly sliced bell peppers with the tomatoes for added vegetables.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating to maintain its tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this is designed as a one-pan skillet dinner recipe, perfect for easy cleanup.
What kind of skillet should you use?
A cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet works best for this recipe.
Can you use frozen chicken?
You can, but thaw it completely before cutting and cooking to ensure even cooking.
How do you prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking the chicken; cook until just done. The cheese and tomatoes help keep it moist.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats well and is a great option for healthy meal prep throughout the week.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed green beans, a simple side salad, or some quinoa would complement this skillet dinner nicely.
