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Mozzarella Chicken in tomato sauce is the perfect answer when you’re short on time but still craving something hearty and delicious. Ready in just 15 minutes and cooked in one skillet, this quick and easy recipe brings all the comfort of Chicken Parmigiana without the breading or fuss.
If you’re after a satisfying weeknight dinner with bold flavor and minimal effort, this chicken with mozzarella cheese is always a winner. Whether you’re a fan of classic chicken mozzarella tomato recipes or looking for a no-fuss alternative to mozzarella stuffed chicken, this one checks all the boxes.
What Makes This Mozarella Chicken Work
The secret to this Mozzarella Chicken is its simplicity. By searing the chicken first, you lock in those juices and create a golden crust that adds big flavor fast. Then, instead of building a sauce from scratch, you use a quick tomato base that simmers just long enough to soak into the chicken without drying it out.
What really brings it all together is the generous topping of mozzarella cheese. As it melts over the hot chicken and rich tomato sauce, you get that irresistible combination of savory, cheesy, saucy goodness—without any complicated steps. It’s everything you love about chicken mozzarella tomato dishes, but with weeknight ease.
What Goes Into Mozarella Chicken
This Mozzarella Chicken recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples and delivers big, comforting flavor in every bite. Here’s what makes it shine:
- Chicken Breasts: Halved into thinner fillets for quick, even cooking that stays juicy and tender.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic adds that essential savory depth right from the start.
- Marinara Sauce: Rich and tangy, it creates the perfect base to simmer the chicken and soak in flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella: The final touch: melted over the top for that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements
How To Make Mozarella Chicken
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler (or grill) to medium heat so it’s ready to melt the cheese later.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Coat both sides evenly with the mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and pan-fry for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Build the Sauce: Add garlic to the same pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir in the Italian seasoning, and let it bubble gently.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle mozzarella over each fillet. Place the pan under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
- Toss and Serve: Optional but delicious: remove the chicken, stir cooked pasta and pasta water into the sauce until slightly thickened, then serve everything warm and saucy.
Balance the rich, cheesy flavors of Mozzarella Chicken with simple, flavorful sides. Roasted Mushrooms (Balsamic Soy) add a bold, umami punch, while Cream of Asparagus Soup offers a light, creamy start. For something rustic and satisfying, Fried Cabbage makes a perfect, hearty pairing.
Recipe FAQ’s
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that classic cheesy pull. Fresh mozzarella works too but may release more liquid.
It’s a quicker, lighter version. There’s no breading or frying, but you still get all the comforting flavor of chicken with mozzarella cheese in tomato sauce.
A simple marinara or homemade tomato basil sauce works best. It keeps things light and lets the mozzarella shine.
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Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts halved to make 4 fillets
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning adjust to your tastes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
SERVING IDEA:
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 2-3 cups pasta pasta of choice, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler/grill to a medium heat setting.
- 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. Add the fillets and pan fry on each side until golden (about 3 minutes on each side).
- Add the garlic to the same pan and allow to fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Spoon the marinara sauce over and around the chicken. Add the Italian seasonings into the sauce and stir them through. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella over each chicken fillet; transfer to the oven and broil / grill until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through (about 3 to 5 minutes).
- Garnish with freshly chopped parmesan cheese and serve over zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or with a salad!
SERVING IDEA:
- Once chicken is done, remove chicken from the pan. Pour in the pasta water and pasta of choice. Mix through until sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I tried this tonight and it turned out amazing. Used fat free mozzarella cheese and no sugar pasta sauce, great low carb meal.
Quick easy and delicious! Didn’t have basil on hand so had to do without it- still great though! Will be making this again
Yummm. Do you have a favorite marinara you can recommend?
Here are some links for you to look over for marinara sauce from other meals:https://cafedelites.com/?s=marinara. Thanks for following along with me! XO
Exactly what I was looking for. This was delicious. Took me a little longer with prep, but cooking times were right on. I turned the broiler up to high for the last minute, and the cheese browned perfectly. Thanks. I’m pretty sure this will become a regular meal here – used up some extra spaghetti sauce, and had all the other ingredients on hand. Yay!
Easy, flavorful, and big hit with my family. Thanks for sharing this recipe
Made this for supper last night. It was super easy, fast and tasted wonderful! Hubby and I were both impressed (and I’m very picky, lol) and we will be adding this to our list of favorites. So many recipes I try from online sound great, but the flavor always seems to fall flat. I was thrilled wit how the herbs all went together for such an amazing flavor. Thanks so much!
That is great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing! I am so glad that you loved it! Thanks for following along with me!
Is it possible to double the recipe to get double the outcome? What do I need to double/get more of if not? Thanks.
Sounds delicious!!!
I am wondering if I don’t have a pan safe for broiler can I transfer food to glass pan and stick in broiler? Or is that not good or safe either?
Do not use glass pan and metal baking pan will work
So easy and good. Had all ingredients. ..no store run!