Sizzling Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Recipe: One-Pan Cheesy Magic

Sizzling chicken and melted mozzarella cheese create a mouthwatering chicken mozzarella skillet that promises pure comfort.

Golden-brown chicken breasts nestled in a rich, aromatic sauce guarantee an irresistible meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures.

The skillet method ensures quick cooking and minimal cleanup, making dinner a breeze.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan add an extra layer of deliciousness to this satisfying dish.

Tender chicken coated in a blanket of gooey mozzarella brings restaurant-quality meals right to your kitchen.

Let’s find out this one-pan wonder that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor.

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella in a Skillet

• Chicken Preparation

Select high-quality chicken breasts and generously coat with aromatic seasonings. Warm a cast-iron skillet with olive oil, creating a perfect searing surface.

• Golden Sear

Brown chicken pieces until developing a gorgeous caramelized exterior. This technique locks in delicious flavors and creates a beautiful color. Remove chicken and set aside momentarily.

• Flavor Foundation

Introduce minced garlic into the skillet, releasing its incredible fragrance. The pan’s residual heat will help extract deep, robust flavors that will enhance the entire dish.

• Sauce Creation

Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, mixing with Italian herbs. Stir consistently to blend ingredients and capture those delectable browned bits clinging to the pan’s surface.

• Creamy Transformation

Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, velvety mixture. Sprinkle fresh basil for a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the entire composition.

• Simmering Magic

Return chicken to the sauce, allowing each piece to become completely enveloped. Cover and let everything meld together, ensuring chicken reaches perfect tenderness.

• Cheesy Finale

Top each chicken piece with soft mozzarella. Slide the skillet under the broiler, creating a golden, bubbling cheese layer that will make mouths water instantly.

Tips for Gooey Chicken Mozzarella Success

• Swap buffalo mozzarella with fresh burrata for an ultra-creamy twist that melts like liquid gold.
• Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat kick that transforms the entire dish from mild to wild.
• Replace basil with fresh oregano or thyme for a different aromatic profile that brings Mediterranean vibes to your kitchen.
• Serve this chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to keep things light and nutritious.
• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the rich, creamy tomato sauce and cuts through the cheese's decadence.

Serving Chicken Mozzarella Hot and Fresh

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chicken mozzarella skillet as a hearty main course with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting meal that brings everyone together.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Garnish each chicken piece with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, then present the entire skillet directly on the table for a rustic, impressive presentation that screams homemade gourmet.
• Balanced Meal Companion: Pair the skillet with a light side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce and provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the tender chicken.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: For those watching carbohydrates, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, allowing diners to enjoy the full flavor profile while keeping the meal lighter and more nutritionally balanced.

Storing Leftovers from Mozzarella Chicken Skillet

• Meal Freshness Guardian: Refrigerate leftover chicken in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping it deliciously safe for 3-4 days.
• Smart Portion Planning: Slice chicken into individual servings before storing, making quick reheating and lunch packing super convenient for busy days.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, which helps maintain flavor and texture for up to 2 months without quality loss.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring each bite remains as succulent as the first serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Ingredient List

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, uniform-sized breasts for even cooking and tender texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic flavor to enhance chicken's natural taste.
• Salt: Helps to intensify and balance the overall seasoning profile.
• Pepper: Provides a gentle, warming heat that complements the chicken's mild flavor.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a rich, vibrant foundation with deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the sauce with a robust, pungent warmth and complexity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends traditional herbs to introduce a classic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Salt: Heightens and rounds out the sauce's flavor dimensions.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooths out the tomato's acidic notes.

• Buffalo Mozzarella: Delivers creamy, soft texture and mild milky richness when melted.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, nutty undertone that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, peppery freshness and vibrant green color.
• Olive Oil: Ensures perfect chicken searing and adds a subtle fruity undertone.

Tools to Prepare Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Meals

• Large Oven-Safe Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the entire dish in one pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Perfect for accurately measuring garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for precise heavy cream and Parmesan cheese quantities.
• Garlic Press: Helps quickly crush garlic cloves for maximum flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and scraping pan bottom.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping fresh basil and preparing chicken.
• Cutting Board: Used for ingredient preparation.

Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rustic chicken mozzarella skillet combines tender chicken with melted cheese in a one-pan marvel. Italian-inspired ingredients create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut or pounded to thin cutlets)
• 4 oz (113 g) buffalo mozzarella (sliced)
• 28 oz (794 g) crushed tomatoes (canned)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (for seasoning the chicken)
• ¼ tsp salt (for seasoning the chicken)
• ¼ tsp pepper (for seasoning the chicken)
• ¼ tsp salt (for the sauce)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange chicken in a single layer, searing each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown crust. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
3. Aromatics Development: Reduce heat to medium, introduce minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until releasing a fragrant aroma.
4. Sauce Creation: Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, integrating Italian seasoning and salt. Deglaze the pan by scraping caramelized bits, creating a robust flavor foundation.
5. Creamy Enhancement: Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency. Fold in freshly chopped basil and simmer briefly.
6. Final Cooking Process: Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with sauce. Partially cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Cheese Topping Finale: Activate broiler, strategically place buffalo mozzarella slices atop chicken. Transfer skillet to oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden hue.
8. Resting Stage: Remove from oven and allow dish to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Sear with Confidence: Create a golden-brown crust by ensuring skillet is hot and chicken is dry before cooking, which locks in juices and develops rich flavor.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Simmer sauce slowly to blend flavors and thicken naturally, preventing watery texture and ensuring creamy, rich coating.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly juicy results every time.
• Broiler Watching: Monitor mozzarella closely during final 3-5 minutes to prevent burning, aiming for golden-brown melted cheese without scorching.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg