Easy One Pan Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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Juicy chicken breasts simmering in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with bubbling, golden mozzarella—that’s what you get with this Easy One Pan Mozzarella Chicken. It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort food but looks restaurant-ready. Every bite is melty, herby, and saucy in the best way.

What makes this recipe shine isn’t just the flavors (which are incredible), but the simplicity. Everything comes together in a single skillet, from searing the chicken to finishing it in a luscious marinara with generous layers of cheese. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a meal that checks every box.

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Ingredients for this Easy One Pan Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Return Chicken and Add Cheese

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon a bit of the sauce over each piece. Top each breast with shredded or sliced mozzarella.

Step 4: Cover and Melt

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy hot, ideally with crusty bread, pasta, or a green salad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They tend to be juicier and cook a bit faster.

What’s the best mozzarella for this dish?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a creamy texture, while shredded mozzarella is quicker and browns more easily. Use whichever you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats wonderfully. Just stop before adding the cheese, cool it down, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with mozzarella and warm through in a covered skillet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The chicken and sauce are naturally gluten-free, but make sure your marinara sauce has no hidden gluten ingredients.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes! Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can be sautéed before adding the marinara to boost the nutritional content.

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