Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella: 5 Easy Steps

Jump to Recipe

There are days when you want to cook something special—but your energy level says, “Can we just not?” That’s exactly where Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella comes in. This dish is the ultimate weeknight hero—juicy chicken fillets simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s comforting, flavorful, and honestly? It tastes like a warm Italian hug without the airfare.

If you’ve been looking for an easy dinner that feels fancy but only takes about 30 minutes, this one’s your new best friend. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a casual dinner with friends, this meal makes everyone think you worked harder than you did (and I promise, you didn’t).

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Because it checks every box:
✅ Easy to make—just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples.
✅ Bursting with flavor—garlic, basil, and tomatoes come together like a perfect trio.
✅ Family-approved—no picky eater can resist gooey mozzarella.

I first made this on one of those chaotic weeks when my to-do list was longer than my grocery receipt. I threw together what I had—chicken, tomatoes, and cheese—and my kitchen smelled like a little corner trattoria in Rome. My kids asked for seconds (and I may or may not have had thirds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

4 chicken fillets
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sweet paprika

For the Cherry Tomato Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon juice.
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
3 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
2 mozzarella balls, cubed
3 tbsp grated Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

How to Make Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Before you start, get everything ready—mince your garlic, chop your shallot, and cube the mozzarella. This recipe moves fast once it starts, so a little prep saves you from that last-minute “Wait, where’s the basil?” moment.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub both sides of the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Simple seasonings, big payoff.

Step 3: Sear It Up

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

(Pro tip: Those little golden bits on the pan? That’s pure flavor—don’t you dare wash them away!)

Step 4: Make the Garlic Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in your garlic and shallot. Cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes), then deglaze with the chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up those brown bits—this is where the magic happens.

Add salt, pepper, dried basil, and tomato paste. Stir constantly for a minute, then pour in chicken broth and canned cherry tomatoes. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, sprinkle with fresh basil, and scatter those mozzarella cubes all around. Add a little black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan on top.

Now, you have two options:

Stovetop: Simmer for 5 minutes until the mozzarella starts to melt and everything is cozy.
Oven: Pop the skillet into a preheated oven (400°F) for 10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Your house will smell like an Italian grandma moved in—and honestly, I wouldn’t complain if she stayed.

Cooking Tips for the Best Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Want it creamier? Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream right before serving.
Make it ahead: The sauce actually gets even better the next day—like most good relationships.
Serve it with: Pasta, garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad (because balance, right?).

Plate of Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and rich tomato sauce. — A hearty plate of Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, paired with spaghetti, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort meal.

FAQs About Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly—they stay juicy and tender.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze it?

You sure can. Just cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up before serving.

Bring Comfort to Your Table

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella isn’t just a recipe—it’s a cozy, flavorful moment waiting to happen. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just craving something soul-soothing, this dish delivers all the comfort with none of the fuss.

Next time life gets hectic, let your skillet do the heavy lifting. Because dinner should feel like home—warm, delicious, and full of love (and cheese, of course).

More Recipes You’ll Love (and Perfect to Try Next!)

If you fell in love with this Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella, here are a few other comforting, flavor-packed recipes that deserve a spot in your weeknight rotation. Each one pairs beautifully with the same cozy, satisfying vibes—and they’re all easy enough for even your busiest days.

For another creamy, flavor-loaded chicken dish, try this Chicken Fillet in Spicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce —it’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible.
Keep the comfort food theme going with Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole —a hearty, cozy bowl that feels like a warm hug on chilly nights.
Looking for a tomato-forward dinner twist? You’ll adore this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken —a perfect make-ahead meal bursting with Italian-inspired comfort.
And if you can’t resist the garlic and cheese combo (who can?), bookmark this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes for an effortless, melt-in-your-mouth dinner your family will crave again and again.

💬 Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below and share how it turned out—I’d love to hear from you! And for more cozy, easy-to-love meals like this one, make sure to follow us on Pinterest for daily slow cooker inspiration and new comfort food favorites.