Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

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Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella is a delightful culinary experience that harmonizes bold flavors with comforting ingredients. The tender, juicy chicken breasts meld beautifully with sweet cherry tomatoes and the rich, gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate. This dish is not only a feast for the senses with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas but also a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. You’ll find it worth making this recipe for gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll have this delicious dish on your table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-follow Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella recipe is incredibly family-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a flavorful meal that will impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and the creamy mozzarella make this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the stomach. Simply put, if you’re looking for a quick recipe packed with taste and visual appeal, this is it!

Ingredients for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

For this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and juicy, the star of the dish.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Bright and burst with flavor, they add a luscious sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and robust, providing an amazing scent and flavor.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Gooey and melty, it envelops everything in cheesy goodness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Rich and fruity, it’s perfect for sautéing.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and herbaceous, it enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the inherent flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice to elevate the taste.
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Adds a beautiful garnish as well as a fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly.
2. In a bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This step infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start.
3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
4. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown. This is where your chicken develops a lovely crust.
5. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, stirring gently to combine them with the chicken and garlic.
6. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes. The cheese will bubble and brown while baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. The aroma of fresh basil will elevate your dish further!

Tips & Tricks

• Chef’s Secrets: Feel free to marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for a few hours prior to cooking for an added layer of flavor.
• Optional Extras: Add spinach or bell peppers alongside the cherry tomatoes for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
• Cooking Hacks: If you’re short on time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken; just reduce the baking time to heat the dish through.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To present your Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella beautifully, serve it on a large platter and drizzle a little balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. Pair it with a light salad of mixed greens and a refreshing vinaigrette, or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up those delicious juices. A crusty baguette can complement this dish wonderfully, making for a fulfilling meal.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

This dish is protein-rich and low in carbs, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying indulgence in flavor.

Storing Tips & Variations for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

To store this dish, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you’re looking for variations, you can swap the chicken for firm tofu to create a vegetarian version, ensuring you adjust cooking times accordingly. Also, consider adding mushrooms or zucchini for variety in texture and flavor.

Conclusion for Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

Don’t wait any longer to whip up this mouthwatering Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella! Its simple preparation, coupled with the explosion of flavors it offers, makes it a must-try recipe. Go ahead and indulge in this harmonious blend of ingredients that will leave you and your guests completely satisfied.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely prior to cooking for even cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar or provolone would also complement this dish well.

Q3: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.

Q4: What can I serve on the side?
A: Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even over pasta or rice.

Q5: Can I adjust the level of garlic in the recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to add more or less garlic based on your preference. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer less pungency.

Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella

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A delightful blend of chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese, providing a flavorful and comforting meal for any occasion.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
5. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and stir gently to combine.
6. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking. You can also substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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