Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken Easy and Tasty Recipe

Name: Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0 to taste salt and pepper; 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

October 27, 2025October 31, 2024 by Amelia

If you’re looking for an easy and tasty dinner option, you’ve hit the jackpot! This Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken is packed with flavor and simple to make. With juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil, every bite is a delight. I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring success in your kitchen. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned cook, this recipe will impress family and friends. Ready to create a delicious meal? Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This dish is simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a fresh and vibrant flavor profile.
One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet reduces cleanup time, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
Versatile Dish: This recipe can be served over pasta, rice, or even on its own, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Best type of tomatoes to use

I love using cherry tomatoes for this dish. They are sweet and burst with flavor. You can also use grape tomatoes if you can’t find cherries.

Fresh vs. dried basil

Fresh basil is best for this recipe. It adds a bright taste and a lovely aroma. If you only have dried basil, use about one-third of the amount.

Tips for selecting mozzarella

Choose fresh mozzarella for the best texture and taste. Look for cheese packed in water for a soft, creamy bite. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it can be dry and won’t melt as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for the chicken to cook evenly. Next, gather your chicken and veggies. You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better.

Now, grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. This makes them juicy when baked. Also, prepare 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella by slicing it into rounds. Lastly, take 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and roughly chop them.

Cooking the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good.

Now, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step gives the chicken nice flavor and color. After browning, remove the skillet from the heat.

Baking the Dish

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the chicken. Then, layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top. This creates a creamy layer that melts perfectly. Sprinkle the chopped basil over everything, adding a fresh burst of flavor.

Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you like, drizzle a teaspoon of balsamic glaze on top for extra taste. Enjoy your Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To keep your chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it cooks properly without drying out. Also, do not overcook the mozzarella. Add it in the last few minutes of baking. This keeps it creamy and melty.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light pasta dish also works well. For presentation, serve the chicken in the skillet. It looks rustic and inviting. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. This gives a nice pop of color.

Enhancements

You can add spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. Italian seasoning is another great option. For more veggies, try adding spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Mix them in with the tomatoes before baking for a tasty twist.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and mozzarella to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps retain the juices and improves overall texture.
Balsamic Glaze Bonus: Drizzling balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella beautifully.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily switch cheeses in this dish. Try using provolone or gouda for a different taste. If you want a creamier texture, go for burrata cheese. You can also change the protein. Turkey or pork cutlets work well here. They will still soak up all the great flavors.

Dietary Modifications

If you need a gluten-free meal, this recipe is naturally safe. Just ensure that any sides are gluten-free too. For a vegetarian twist, use eggplant instead of chicken. Slice it thick, and follow the same steps. Roasting the eggplant adds nice depth to the dish.

Flavor Twists

Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you want a brighter flavor, lemon zest works wonders. Just sprinkle some on top before serving. It gives the dish a fresh taste and a nice color.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers of Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the chicken well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly for best results.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to keep your chicken longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight for the best results. You can also use the microwave on a low setting, but be careful not to cook it.

Reheating Guidelines

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. I recommend using the oven to keep the chicken juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating. Avoid using the microwave, as it may dry out the chicken.

FAQs

What can I substitute for fresh basil?

If you do not have fresh basil, you can use dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for each tablespoon of fresh basil. Other herbs like oregano or parsley also work well. They add a nice flavor but will taste different than basil.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and the juices clear.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Season the chicken and prepare the veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just layer the ingredients and bake. This saves time and makes dinner easy.

This blog post shared a simple and tasty chicken dish made with fresh ingredients. I covered everything from selecting the best tomatoes to cooking tips for juicy chicken. You can even explore variations, including vegetarian options and flavor twists. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With these tips, you can make a delicious meal that impresses your guests and keeps your family happy. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun experimenting with different flavor

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional) Best type of tomatoes to use I love using cherry tomatoes for this dish. They are sweet and burst with flavor. You can also use grape tomatoes if you can't find cherries. Fresh vs. dried basil Fresh basil is best for this recipe. It adds a bright taste and a lovely aroma. If you only have dried basil, use about one-third of the amount. Tips for selecting mozzarella Choose fresh mozzarella for the best texture and taste. Look for cheese packed in water for a soft, creamy bite. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it can be dry and won't melt as well. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for the chicken to cook evenly. Next, gather your chicken and veggies. You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. Now, grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. This makes them juicy when baked. Also, prepare 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella by slicing it into rounds. Lastly, take 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and roughly chop them. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Now, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step gives the chicken nice flavor and color. After browning, remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the chicken. Then, layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top. This creates a creamy layer that melts perfectly. Sprinkle the chopped basil over everything, adding a fresh burst of flavor. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you like, drizzle a teaspoon of balsamic glaze on top for extra taste. Enjoy your Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken! To keep your chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it cooks properly without drying out. Also, do not overcook the mozzarella. Add it in the last few minutes of baking. This keeps it creamy and melty. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light pasta dish also works well. For presentation, serve the chicken in the skillet. It looks rustic and inviting. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. This gives a nice pop of color. You can add spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. Italian seasoning is another great option. For more veggies, try adding spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Mix them in with the tomatoes before baking for a tasty twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and mozzarella to enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps retain the juices and improves overall texture. Balsamic Glaze Bonus: Drizzling balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella beautifully. {{image_2}} You can easily switch cheeses in this dish. Try using provolone or gouda for a different taste. If you want a creamier texture, go for burrata cheese. You can also change the protein. Turkey or pork cutlets work well here. They will still soak up all the great flavors. If you need a gluten-free meal, this recipe is naturally safe. Just ensure that any sides are gluten-free too. For a vegetarian twist, use eggplant instead of chicken. Slice it thick, and follow the same steps. Roasting the eggplant adds nice depth to the dish. Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you want a brighter flavor, lemon zest works wonders. Just sprinkle some on top before serving. It gives the dish a fresh taste and a nice color. To store leftovers of Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the chicken well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly for best results. If you want to keep your chicken longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight for the best results. You can also use the microwave on a low setting, but be careful not to cook it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. I recommend using the oven to keep the chicken juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating. Avoid using the microwave, as it may dry out the chicken. If you do not have fresh basil, you can use dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for each tablespoon of fresh basil. Other herbs like oregano or parsley also work well. They add a nice flavor but will taste different than basil. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and the juices clear. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Season the chicken and prepare the veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just layer the ingredients and bake. This saves time and makes dinner easy. This blog post shared a simple and tasty chicken dish made with fresh ingredients. I covered everything from selecting the best tomatoes to cooking tips for juicy chicken. You can even explore variations, including vegetarian options and flavor twists. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With these tips, you can make a delicious meal that impresses your guests and keeps your family happy. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun experimenting with different flavors!$