Garlic Tomato Chicken Recipe: Ultimate 30-Min One-Pan Wonder

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m Emeli from FoodFansy, and today I’m sharing a Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe that’s become my go-to solution for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments. You know the ones – it’s 6 PM, you’re staring into the fridge, and everyone’s asking when food will be ready.

I discovered this recipe during one of those chaotic weeknight dinners when I had guests coming over in an hour. With just chicken fillets, some cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella in my fridge, I created what’s now become one of my most requested dishes. The magic happens when that garlic-infused tomato sauce meets the creamy mozzarella, creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

As someone who’s spent years perfecting one-pan meals in professional kitchens and home settings around the world, I can tell you that this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella hits every mark: it’s foolproof, feeds a crowd, and uses ingredients you probably already have.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect chicken cuts to pro tips that ensure juicy, flavorful results every time. Plus, I’ll share my favorite variations and the biggest mistakes to avoid. Ready to transform your weeknight dinners?

Why This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe Works

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella isn’t just another chicken recipe – it’s a masterclass in building layers of flavor while keeping things incredibly simple. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients – No hunting for specialty items or breaking the bank • Ready in just 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious • One-pan cooking – Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal • Scales beautifully – Whether cooking for two or ten, this recipe adapts perfectly • Delivers restaurant-quality results – The combination of garlic, herbs, and melted mozzarella creates complex flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen

Choosing the Right Chicken for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

The foundation of any great Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella starts with selecting the right cut of chicken. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Chicken fillets (boneless, skinless breasts) are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and absorb the garlic-tomato flavors beautifully. Look for fillets that are uniform in thickness – about 1 inch thick works perfectly. If your fillets are thicker, pound them gently to even thickness.

Chicken thighs make an excellent alternative if you prefer darker meat. They’re naturally more forgiving and stay juicier, though they’ll need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Buying Tips

When shopping for your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, look for chicken with a pink, not grayish, color. The meat should feel firm to the touch and have no strong odor. If buying from a butcher, ask them to butterfly thick breasts for even cooking.

Substitutions

While chicken is traditional, you can easily adapt this recipe: pork tenderloin works beautifully (cook to 145°F internal temperature), or try turkey cutlets for a leaner option. Even firm white fish like cod can work – just reduce the cooking time significantly.

Ingredients & Prep for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Success with this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe starts with proper preparation. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Chicken Prep Essentials

Start by patting your chicken fillets completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting that beautiful golden sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika at least 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1.5 inches), butterfly them or pound to even thickness. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Cherry Tomato Sauce Components

The soul of this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella lies in its rich, aromatic sauce. You’ll need fresh garlic (don’t substitute powder here), a good shallot, quality canned cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. The dry white wine adds depth – Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work perfectly, but even a splash of chicken broth works if you don’t cook with wine.

Cheese Selection

Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) give the best melting results. Cut them into cubes just before using to prevent them from drying out. The combination with grated Parmesan creates the perfect creamy-sharp flavor balance.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Let me walk you through creating this perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, step by step:

Pre-Cooking Prep for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Before you turn on any heat, complete all your prep work. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely, chop your shallot, cube the mozzarella, and measure out all ingredients. Season your room-temperature chicken fillets and have them ready to go. Preheat your oven to 400°F if you plan to finish the dish there.

Cooking Method for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Heat olive oil and butter in your largest ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter stops foaming, add the seasoned chicken fillets. Cook for exactly 5 minutes per side – resist the urge to move them around. You want that beautiful golden crust. Remove chicken to a plate and cover with foil.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and shallot. Cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes), then deglaze with white wine, scraping up those flavorful brown bits. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and dried basil, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.

Pour in chicken broth, then add the canned cherry tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to let the sauce concentrate.

Doneness Check for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, add fresh basil and mozzarella cubes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re not sure, use a meat thermometer – it’s the most reliable way to ensure perfect results every time.

Resting for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Let the dish simmer for 5 minutes to marry all flavors, or transfer to your preheated oven for 10 minutes until the mozzarella is golden and bubbly. Either way, let it rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

After making this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella countless times, here are my insider secrets:

Avoiding Tough, Dry Chicken in Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Don’t overcrowd your pan – if you’re doubling the recipe, use two skillets or cook in batches. Overcrowding drops the temperature and steams the chicken instead of searing it. Also, resist cutting into the chicken immediately; let those juices redistribute.

Tool Recommendations for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

A good ovenproof skillet is essential – cast iron or stainless steel work beautifully. Invest in a reliable instant-read thermometer; it takes the guesswork out of perfectly cooked chicken. A wooden spoon is perfect for scraping up those flavorful fond bits when deglazing.

Storage & Reheating for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months – just thaw completely before reheating.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

One of the beautiful things about this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is how adaptable it is to different flavor profiles:

Spicy Twist for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Add a minced jalapeño with the garlic and shallot, or stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the tomato paste. For serious heat lovers, a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce adds smoky depth along with the spice.

Mediterranean Style Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Replace the mozzarella with crumbled feta and add Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with fresh oregano instead of basil for an authentic Greek feel.

Italian Herb Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Create an herb blend with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add these with the garlic for an earthy, aromatic variation that’s perfect for cooler weather.

Here’s a helpful comparison of these popular variations:

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides and pairings:

Perfect pasta pairings: Serve over al dente pappardelle, creamy risotto, or simple garlic butter noodles to soak up that incredible sauce. For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Fresh vegetable sides: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp arugula salad provide the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken. Grilled zucchini and bell peppers complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Wine pairings: A crisp Pinot Grigio echoes the wine in the sauce, while a light Chianti brings out the tomato flavors. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager won’t compete with the delicate garlic and herb notes.

FAQs About Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Can I use frozen chicken for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella? Yes, but thaw completely first and pat very dry. Frozen chicken releases excess moisture during cooking, which can make your sauce watery and prevent proper browning.

How do I fix overcooked chicken in this recipe? If your chicken gets overcooked, slice it thinly and return it to the warm sauce for just a minute or two. The moisture from the tomato sauce will help rehydrate it somewhat.

Can pregnant women safely eat this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella? Absolutely! As long as the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and you use pasteurized mozzarella (which most commercial mozzarella is), this recipe is perfectly safe during pregnancy.

Can I make this dairy-free? Certainly! Skip the mozzarella and Parmesan, and use olive oil instead of butter. The garlic-tomato sauce is delicious on its own, or you can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of chicken broth or water. This prevents the sauce from separating and keeps the chicken moist.

Conclusion

There you have it – my foolproof Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe that’s transformed countless weeknight dinners from stressful to spectacular! This one-pan wonder proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create restaurant-quality meals at home.

Ready to make this tonight? Fire up that skillet and get ready for the amazing aromas that’ll have everyone gathering in the kitchen! I’d love to hear how your version turns out – tag me on social media @foodfansy or leave a comment below.

Join the 5,000+ home cooks who’ve already fallen in love with this recipe and discovered how simple it can be to create memorable meals. And if you’re looking for more one-pan wonders, check out my [Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs] or [Creamy Tuscan Salmon] – they’re perfect for expanding your weeknight repertoire!

Happy cooking, and remember – the best meals are the ones shared with people you love.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

– Emeli
Founder & Chef at FoodFansy.com

Garlic Tomato Chicken Recipe: Ultimate 30-Min One-Pan Wonder

---

• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tender chicken, cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil and lots of cheese. This utterly delicious combo is super easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes. Serve with pasta or toasted ciabatta and a big side salad.

---

Ingredients

• 4 chicken fillets

• ▢

• 1 tsp salt

• ▢

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ▢

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ▢

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

cherry tomato sauce

• ▢

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ▢

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• ▢

• 1 shallot – finely chopped

• ▢

• 4 garlic cloves – minced

• ▢

• ¼ cup dry white wine – like 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

---

Instructions

 

1. Get all the prep done before you start cooking: mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot and cut mozzarella into cubes.

2. Season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt pepper, garlic powder and paprika.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 °C/400 °F (if using).

4. Heat oil and butter in a large (ovenproof) skillet over medium high. Add the chicken fillets and cook over medium heat, for 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and place on a plate. Cover with foil.

5. In the same skillet, add garlic and shallot, cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Deglaze with white wine, simmer for 2 minutes, stir with a wooden spoon while scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the skillet. Add salt, pepper, dried basil and tomato paste. Cook, while stirring constantly for 1 minute.

6. Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine. Add canned cherry tomatoes, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust salt, if needed. Meanwhile, chop the basil leaves.

7. Next, nestle chicken between the cherry tomatoes. Add basil and mozzarella cubes. Top with black pepper, red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan. Let simmer for 5 minutes or until all flavors are well combined, the chicken is cooked through and mozzarella has slightly melted. Alternatively, slide the skillet into your oven and bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Serve!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 374kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 127mg

Keywords: Garlic Tomato Chicken