Mozzarella Chicken Skillet brings back memories of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s farmhouse, where the kitchen always smelled like tomatoes and herbs simmering on the stove. She taught me that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, create the most satisfying meals.
Years later, when I needed quick weeknight dinners for my growing family, I adapted her techniques into this one-pan wonder. There’s something almost magical about watching mozzarella melt over tender chicken nestled in savory tomato sauce. It’s comfort in a skillet. I love how this Mozzarella Chicken Skillet requires just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time at the table with family. The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and melted cheese creates those familiar Italian-American flavors that never go out of style. My children grew up requesting this regularly, and now my grandchildren do too. It’s proof that good recipes truly stand the test of time. Time to heat up that oven-safe skillet.
The Secret Behind This One-Pan Wonder
In all my years of home cooking, I’ve learned that the best weeknight dinners combine convenience with genuine flavor. This high-protein chicken skillet delivers both without compromise, making it perfect for busy families.
- High protein with an impressive 61g per serving keeps you satisfied for hours
- Low-carb and keto-friendly at just 4g net carbs per serving
- Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
- One pan meal means minimal cleanup on busy evenings
- Insanely delicious and cheesy, the melted mozzarella is irresistible
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- Uses an oven-safe skillet for stovetop-to-oven convenience
Through trial and error, I learned that briefly searing the chicken before baking gives you better texture and deeper flavor.
The Building Blocks
Olive Oil creates the flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics and helps develop those golden bits on the bottom of the pan.
Onion provides sweetness and depth when sautéed until the edges are golden, forming the foundation of the tomato sauce.
Garlic adds that essential savory note that makes Italian-inspired dishes irresistible. I always choose fresh minced garlic over jarred for better flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes create the rich, slightly chunky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. In my kitchen, I prefer using quality canned tomatoes or a favorite marinara sauce.
Italian Seasoning brings together oregano, basil, and other herbs in one convenient blend that captures classic Italian flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper adds just a hint of heat without overwhelming the dish. Adjust to your family’s preference.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts provide lean protein that stays juicy when not overcooked, making this a healthy yet satisfying meal.
Fresh Mozzarella melts into creamy, stretchy perfection on top of the chicken, creating that irresistible cheese pull everyone loves.
Fresh Basil finishes the dish with bright, aromatic flavor that makes it taste restaurant-special.
Betty’s Tested Technique
Step 1. Betty always starts by preheating the oven to 400°F while heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened with slightly golden edges.
Step 2. I’ve found that adding the garlic and sautéing for just 30 seconds releases its flavor without burning. Then add crushed tomatoes and all the spices, sautéing for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3. After years of making this Mozzarella Chicken Skillet, I learned that adding the chicken breasts to the skillet and cooking for 1-2 minutes per side gives them a light sear that enhances flavor.
Step 4. Through trial and error, I learned that transferring the skillet to the oven and baking for 10 minutes starts cooking the chicken through evenly.
Step 5. The key I discovered is flipping the chicken breasts over and topping them with fresh mozzarella slices before baking another 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6. My family prefers when I garnish with plenty of fresh basil and serve immediately while that cheese is still melty and perfect.
Keeping This Mozzarella Chicken Skillet Fresh
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.
This recipe doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the fresh mozzarella, which can become watery and grainy when thawed. If you do want to freeze it, I recommend freezing just the chicken in tomato sauce before adding the cheese, then topping with fresh mozzarella when you reheat.
For the best texture, I reheat portions in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals. The microwave works in a pinch, though the skillet method keeps the chicken more tender.
Complete Your Meal
- Pasta or rice soaks up that delicious tomato sauce and turns this into a more substantial, family-style dinner
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice keeps this meal low-carb and keto-friendly while adding vegetables
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color, nutrition, and textural variety
- Garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of that savory tomato sauce, my husband’s favorite addition
- Fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides crisp freshness that balances the rich, cheesy chicken
- Crusty Italian bread lets you enjoy every bit of sauce while adding that satisfying bread-and-sauce combination
For more one-pan chicken recipes, try my Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli or Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast. If you love Italian flavors, my Creamy Tuscan Salmon uses a similar flavor profile. You might also enjoy my Greek Sheet Pan Chicken for another easy dinner option.
FAQs
I recommend chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since thighs are slightly thicker.
Betty’s solution is transferring the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking. It works just as well, though you’ll have an extra dish to wash.
Many home cooks find success with shredded mozzarella, though fresh mozzarella creates that beautiful melted cheese layer with better texture and flavor.
Mozzarella Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-duty (oven-safe) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened and the edges are slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds then add the crushed tomatoes and spices. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken breasts over and top with fresh mozzarella slices (or shredded mozzarella) and bake another 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
