Imagine a dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the wholesome goodness of chicken. This Mozzarella Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With its zesty marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic herbs, it’s an easy yet impressive meal that can be served with your favorite pasta or a fresh Caprese Salad. Let’s dive into what makes this dish special and how you can prepare it at home.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Mozzarella Chicken stands out for its simplicity and the burst of flavors that come from a few key ingredients. The combination of dried herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano creates a fragrant seasoning mix that elevates the dish. The use of marinara sauce not only adds a vibrant color but also enhances the overall taste, making it a family favorite. Plus, the melted mozzarella on top adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

What You’ll Need

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
1/2 cup pasta water
2-3 cups pasta of choice, cooked

Tools & Equipment Needed

Large skillet – for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Measuring spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Knife and cutting board – for preparing chicken and garlic.
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce.

Mozzarella Chicken in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken fillets with dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken fillets. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the marinara sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help create a rich sauce. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Mozzarella

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Mozzarella Chicken hot, spooning the marinara sauce over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with your choice of cooked pasta. For a fresh twist, consider adding a side of Caprese Salad to balance the flavors.

Make It Fit Your Plan

For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over sautéed zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
To add more veggies, toss in some spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
For extra protein, consider adding cooked Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.
Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes for a kick.

Testing Timeline

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the Mozzarella Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Quick Q&A

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even more. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried, as they are less concentrated.

What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Any pasta works well! Spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free varieties are great choices. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Simply reheat and add the mozzarella just before serving to ensure it melts perfectly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce as a base. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for a flavorful twist.

Save & Share

This Mozzarella Chicken is not just a meal, it’s an experience! Share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to tag your creations on social media. Cooking is all about sharing love and delicious food, so spread the joy!

There you have it! A delectable Mozzarella Chicken dish that’s sure to impress. With its flavorful sauce and perfectly melted cheese, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is a surefire way to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy every bite!

Mozzarella Chicken

This Mozzarella Chicken is a weeknight winner! Juicy chicken smothered in marinara and creamy mozzarella, it's a dish everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
1 teaspoon garlic minced
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning adjust to your tastes
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup pasta water
2-3 cups pasta of choice cooked

Equipment

Large skillet
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

Begin by seasoning the chicken fillets with dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken fillets. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the marinara sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help create a rich sauce. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the Mozzarella Chicken hot, spooning the marinara sauce over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with your choice of cooked pasta.

Notes

For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over sautéed zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
To add more veggies, toss in some spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
For extra protein, consider adding cooked Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.

Mozzarella Chicken

What Makes This Recipe Special

What You’ll Need

Tools & Equipment Needed