Nothing beats a comforting and cheesy meal like this Mozzarella Chicken Skillet. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is nestled in a rich, herby tomato sauce, then topped with fresh mozzarella that melts beautifully in the oven. This dish is bursting with Italian flavors, making it a family-friendly, easy-to-make recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes using a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb/keto-friendly option or simply want a quick and satisfying dinner, this one-pan mozzarella chicken is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes or favorite marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper
- 4 small-medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Sear the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Add mozzarella: Flip the chicken, top with fresh mozzarella slices, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 507 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. It’s Quick and Easy
One of the biggest advantages of this Mozzarella Chicken Skillet is that it comes together in just 30 minutes. Unlike traditional baked chicken parmesan, which requires breading and frying, this dish simplifies the process while keeping all the delicious flavors intact. You only need a single oven-safe skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Packed with Flavor
This recipe delivers bold, Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, onions, and crushed tomatoes creates a rich and tangy base, while Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice. The mozzarella cheese melts perfectly over the chicken, giving it a creamy, gooey texture that ties the dish together beautifully.
3. Healthy and Low-Carb Friendly
Unlike many cheesy chicken dishes that rely on breading, this Mozzarella Chicken Skillet is low-carb and keto-friendly. With just 4g of net carbs per serving, it’s an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing flavor. It’s also high in protein, making it a great meal for those following a high-protein diet.
4. Family-Friendly
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding both kids and adults. The creamy mozzarella and rich tomato sauce create a comforting and familiar flavor profile that even picky eaters will love. Plus, you can easily customize it by serving it with different sides to suit everyone’s preferences.
5. A One-Pan Wonder
Nobody loves doing dishes, and that’s why one-pan recipes are so popular. This Mozzarella Chicken Skillet requires just one oven-safe skillet, meaning less mess and minimal cleanup. You start by cooking everything on the stovetop, then finish the dish in the oven to achieve the perfect melted cheese topping.
The Flavor Profile: A Perfect Balance
The magic of Mozzarella Chicken Skillet lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- The Chicken: Juicy and tender, the chicken breasts absorb the flavors of the garlic, onions, and tomato sauce as they cook. A quick sear locks in the juices, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
- The Tomato Sauce: Whether you use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, this base is essential for adding depth and richness to the dish. The addition of garlic, onions, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes enhances the sauce, making it taste like it’s been simmering all day—even though it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
- The Mozzarella Cheese: The final touch is the melted mozzarella. It creates a creamy, slightly stretchy texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken and sauce. Using fresh mozzarella slices ensures optimal melting and flavor, but shredded mozzarella works well too.
- The Fresh Basil Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish, adding a fresh, herby contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Serve Mozzarella Chicken Skillet
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own as a low-carb meal or paired with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best serving suggestions:
For a Low-Carb Meal:
- Zucchini noodles – Toss them in a little olive oil and garlic for a delicious, light side.
- Cauliflower rice – A great alternative to traditional rice that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted vegetables – Air-fried or oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent side options.
For a More Filling Meal:
- Pasta – Serve the chicken over spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a more traditional Italian meal.
- Garlic bread – A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.
- Rice or quinoa – If you prefer grains, serving this dish over rice or quinoa adds a hearty, satisfying element.
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Make it Spicier: If you love heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper.
- Add More Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the onions for extra nutrition.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Turn it into a Casserole: Add a layer of cooked pasta to the skillet before baking for a one-pan baked pasta dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, this dish stores and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without cheese) for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh mozzarella when reheating.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and satisfying dinner, this Mozzarella Chicken Skillet is the perfect choice. It combines bold Italian flavors with creamy melted cheese, all while keeping things low-carb and easy to prepare. With just one skillet and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table with minimal effort.
Whether you’re following a keto diet, cooking for your family, or just looking for a new go-to recipe, this cheesy, tomato-infused chicken dish will not disappoint. Serve it with your favorite sides, customize it to your taste, and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient.
