This comforting recipe of Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce is a wonderful blend of flavors. The chicken is first seasoned with herbs, pan-fried to perfection, and then smothered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
While most of the ingredients are readily available in your pantry, marinara sauce might need a special mention. Marinara sauce is a type of tomato sauce often used in Italian recipes. It's made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. Its many variations can include the addition of capers, olives, spices, and a dash of wine. You can easily find it in the pasta aisle at your local grocery store.
Ingredients for Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
Dried basil leaves: These are the dried leaves of the basil plant, used for their distinct and aromatic flavor.
Dried parsley leaves: They are used as a seasoning and a garnish. It adds a mild, herby flavor to the dish.
Ground oregano: It is a pungent herb used widely in Italian cuisine.
Salt: Used to enhance the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for pan-frying the chicken.
Chicken breasts: The main protein source in this dish.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, earthy flavor.
Marinara Tomato Sauce: This is a type of tomato sauce that is used as the base for this dish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage and basil. It gives an Italian touch to the dish.
Mozzarella: A type of cheese that melts well and gives a creamy texture.
Pasta water: Starchy water that’s left after boiling pasta. It helps in thickening and emulsifying sauces.
Pasta of choice: You can choose any type of pasta you prefer.
One reader, Alberto Rudolph says:
This mozzarella chicken in tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer! The blend of herbs and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the melted mozzarella adds a delightful touch. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Mozzarella Chicken
How to preheat the broiler or grill: Preheat the broiler or grill to a medium heat setting before starting the recipe.
How to combine the herbs: Mix the dried basil leaves, dried parsley leaves, ground oregano, salt, and black pepper with olive oil in a shallow bowl to create a herb-infused oil for coating the chicken.
How to coat the chicken fillets: Coat both sides of each chicken breast with the herb-infused oil mixture to ensure even seasoning and flavor.
How to pan fry the chicken: Pan fry the coated chicken fillets in a large, heavy oven-proof skillet over high heat until golden brown on both sides.
How to add the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and allow it to fry until fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
How to spoon the marinara sauce: Spoon the marinara tomato sauce over and around the chicken in the skillet, ensuring even coverage.
How to add the Italian seasonings: Stir the Italian seasoning into the marinara sauce to infuse it with additional flavors.
How to sprinkle the mozzarella: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of mozzarella over each chicken fillet, ensuring even distribution for a cheesy topping.
How to broil or grill the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil or grill until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through, creating a golden, bubbly topping.
How to garnish and serve: Garnish the mozzarella chicken with freshly chopped parmesan cheese and serve it over zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or with a salad for a complete meal.
How To Make Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce
A one-pan recipe for juicy mozzarella chicken that would surely be loved by you and your family! This amazing dish takes less than an half an hour to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspdried basil leaves
- 1tspdried parsley leaves
- ½tspground oregano
- salt
- black pepperfreshly ground
- 1tbspolive oil
- 2chicken breastsskinless, boneless and halved to make 4 fillets
- 1tspgarlicminced
- 1 ½cupsMarinara tomato sauce
- 2tspItalian seasoning
- ½cupmozzarellashredded
- ½cuppasta water
- 3cupspasta of choicecooked
Instructions
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Preheat the broiler or grill to a medium heat setting.
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Combine the herbs in a shallow bowl with salt and pepper and oil. Coat both sides of each chicken fillet with the oil. Heat a large heavy oven-proof skillet over high heat.
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Add the fillets and pan fry on each side until golden (about 3 minutes on each side).
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Add the garlic to the same pan and allow to fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Spoon the marinara sauce over and around the chicken. Add the Italian seasonings into the sauce and stir them through.
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Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella over each chicken fillet; transfer to the oven and broil or grill until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through (about 3 to 5 minutes).
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Garnish with freshly chopped parmesan cheese and serve over zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or with a salad!
Nutrition
- Calories: 879.54kcal
- Fat: 38.57g
- Saturated Fat: 17.90g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.71g
- Carbohydrates: 77.55g
- Fiber: 7.75g
- Sugar: 12.09g
- Protein: 56.68g
- Cholesterol: 144.16mg
- Sodium: 1934.11mg
- Calcium: 683.45mg
- Potassium: 1242.04mg
- Iron: 6.07mg
- Vitamin A: 280.01µg
- Vitamin C: 18.10mg
Expert Advice for Mastering Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
When pan frying the chicken, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help to seal in the juices and give the chicken a nice golden color. Also, don't overcrowd the pan as this can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of fry. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to maintain the right temperature and achieve the desired sear.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain components, such as sauces or proteins, and freeze the extras for future use.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, or pressure cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes or adjustments.
Substitute Ingredients For Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce Recipe
dried basil leaves - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil has a more vibrant flavor and aroma compared to dried basil, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
dried parsley leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a brighter, fresher flavor compared to dried parsley, which can elevate the dish's taste.
ground oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can provide a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor, complementing the dish's profile.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for cooking the chicken.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a leaner alternative with a similar texture and flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor.
marinara tomato sauce - Substitute with homemade tomato sauce: Homemade tomato sauce allows for customization and can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
mozzarella - Substitute with provolone: Provolone cheese has a similar meltability and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for mozzarella.
pasta water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish, similar to pasta water.
pasta of choice - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles can be used as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, adding a lighter and healthier twist to the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Delightful Mozzarella Chicken Dish
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the mozzarella chicken in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce elements of color to the plate, such as fresh herbs or a side of vibrant vegetables, to enhance the visual appeal and create an inviting presentation.
- Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred establishment.
- Utilize elegant serving ware: Select sophisticated and refined serving ware that complements the dish, elevating the overall presentation and creating a memorable dining experience for the guests.
- Emphasize balance and harmony: Strive for a balanced composition on the plate, ensuring that the mozzarella chicken is presented alongside complementary elements that contribute to a harmonious and visually striking presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mozzarella Chicken
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: Used for pan-frying the chicken and creating a delicious sear.
- Oven-proof skillet: Essential for transferring the chicken from stovetop to oven for broiling.
- Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure out the dried herbs and spices.
- Grill or broiler: Used for melting the mozzarella cheese and finishing the chicken.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken while pan-frying and transferring to the oven.
- Spatula: Used for stirring the marinara sauce and cheese while cooking the chicken.
- Shallow bowl: Used for coating the chicken with herbs, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- Mixing spoon: Essential for stirring the marinara sauce and Italian seasonings while cooking the chicken.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Mozzarella Chicken
- Allow the mozzarella chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken and tomato sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you want to freeze the dish, follow these steps:
- Transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Place in the freezer and store for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the frozen mozzarella chicken:
- Thaw the container or bag in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the contents to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly.
- If you have any leftover pasta, store it separately from the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How To Reheat Leftover Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover mozzarella chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method helps maintain the original texture and flavor of the dish.
Microwave reheating: transfer the leftover mozzarella chicken to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Stovetop reheating: place the leftover mozzarella chicken in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the sauce from drying out. Cover the pan with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is simmering.
Slow cooker reheating: transfer the leftover mozzarella chicken to a slow cooker. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the slow cooker to prevent the dish from drying out. Cover and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. This method is ideal for reheating larger portions of the dish.
Reheating with pasta: cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve some of the pasta water. In a large skillet, combine the leftover mozzarella chicken and the cooked pasta. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the skillet to help create a silky sauce. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken and pasta are heated through and the sauce is well combined.
Interesting Trivia About Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
Mozzarella chicken in tomato sauce is a classic Italian dish that is loved for its rich and savory flavors.
Budget-Friendly: Making Mozzarella Chicken at Home
This mozzarella chicken in tomato sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, marinara tomato sauce, and mozzarella, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The versatility of this dish allows for serving over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with a side of steamed vegetables. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its balance of cost and flavor.
Is Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Healthy?
This mozzarella chicken in tomato sauce recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Lean protein from the chicken breasts
- Nutrient-rich tomato sauce, providing vitamins and antioxidants
- Garlic, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- Herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano, which offer various health benefits
However, there are some areas of concern:
- The recipe calls for frying the chicken, which can add unnecessary fat and calories
- Mozzarella cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium
- Depending on the type of pasta chosen, it may be high in refined carbohydrates
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Instead of frying the chicken, try grilling, baking, or sautéing it in a small amount of olive oil to reduce the fat content
- Use a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese or a smaller amount of regular mozzarella to decrease the saturated fat and sodium levels
- Opt for whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles to increase the fiber content and lower the refined carbohydrates
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions, to boost the nutrient profile and fiber content
- Use a low-sodium marinara sauce or make your own to control the salt content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used and sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor without the extra calories
Editor's Take: Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe
This mozzarella chicken in tomato sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The blend of herbs and spices infuses the chicken with a rich, aromatic taste, while the mozzarella adds a creamy and indulgent touch. The use of marinara sauce brings a robust and tangy element to the dish, perfectly complementing the tender chicken. The broiling process creates a golden, cheesy crust that adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Enhance Your Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
Ideal Appetizers and Desserts for a Mozzarella Chicken Feast
Why trust this Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of mozzarella and marinara tomato sauce creates a rich and flavorful dish. The use of dried basil, parsley, and oregano ensures a perfect blend of aromatic herbs. The cooking process, from pan-frying to broiling, guarantees a juicy and tender chicken with a golden crust. The addition of Italian seasoning enhances the authentic flavors. The final touch of melted mozzarella adds a creamy and indulgent finish. This recipe promises a delightful dining experience that you can trust and enjoy.
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