Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken

$- 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!$

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Chicken

A delicious and easy chicken dish topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

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
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown.
Once the chicken is browned, remove the skillet from the heat.
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the chicken, then place the fresh mozzarella slices on top.
Sprinkle the chopped basil over everything for a fresh flavor burst.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.

Notes

Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Keyword basil, chicken, mozzarella, tomato