If you’re searching for a simple yet sophisticated chicken recipe that’s full of rich flavor and family-friendly, this Creamy Mozzarella Chicken with Garlic Tomato Sauce is just what you need. Tender pan-fried chicken fillets are paired with a luscious garlic cream sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Finished with parsley and served over spaghetti, this dish offers a restaurant-quality experience right from your home kitchen. It’s quick enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests, and comforting enough to become a household favorite.
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
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2 chicken breast fillets
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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50 grams mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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50 ml vegetable broth
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200 ml cream (20% fat)
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Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
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20 grams fresh parsley, chopped
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Spaghetti, for serving (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breast fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Lightly dust each fillet with flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a delicate crust that will seal in juices during cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken breasts. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside, keeping them warm.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with 50 ml of vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add the Cream
Pour in 200 ml of cream (20% fat). Stir well to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Add halved cherry tomatoes into the sauce and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Top the chicken with mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the tomatoes soften.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, ideally over a bed of boiled spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Spoon extra sauce and tomatoes over the top.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 540 kcal
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Protein: 35 g
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Fat: 34 g
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Carbohydrates: 20 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 3 g
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Sodium: 950 mg
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Cholesterol: 135 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe is a modern take on classic European creamy chicken dishes, especially those from French and Italian cuisines. Combining cream, cheese, and fresh herbs with lean chicken is a beloved tradition across the Mediterranean. The mozzarella and tomato combination recalls Italian flavors, while the cream sauce and seared chicken are reminiscent of French techniques. These cross-cultural influences have made creamy chicken recipes a staple across YouTube cooking channels and home kitchens around the world, popular for their elegance and simplicity.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Rich but not heavy: The cream sauce is indulgent but balanced by fresh tomatoes.
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
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Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh items.
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Versatile: Goes well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
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Restaurant-worthy: Perfect for special dinners without the hassle.
Health Benefits
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Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein and low in saturated fat.
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Garlic contains compounds that support heart health and immunity.
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Cherry tomatoes are high in antioxidants, especially lycopene.
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Parsley is rich in vitamin K and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Using cream with a moderate fat percentage (20%) provides flavor without excessive calories.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle.
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Pair with mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf for a comforting twist.
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Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted zucchini.
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A light arugula or garden salad with lemon vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Enjoy with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the chicken: Breast meat dries out fast. Sear just until golden and finish in the sauce.
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Adding garlic too early: Garlic burns quickly; add after removing chicken from the pan.
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Using low-fat cream: It may split or curdle in the pan. Use at least 20% fat cream for best texture.
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Skipping the flour coating: It helps the chicken brown and also thickens the sauce slightly.
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Adding cheese too early: Add mozzarella toward the end to melt gently without burning.
Pairing Recommendations
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Wines: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
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Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, or a light herbal iced tea.
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Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Caesar salad, or cream of mushroom soup.
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Dessert: A lemon tart or panna cotta offers a refreshing finish.
Cooking Tips
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Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing—cook in batches if needed.
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Fresh mozzarella adds a more luxurious melt than pre-shredded.
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Let the cream simmer gently; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
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To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Chicken Alfredo with Spinach
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Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken in Tomato Sauce
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms
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Chicken Marsala with Creamy Sauce
Variations to Try
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Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
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Swap mozzarella for Parmesan or Gruyère.
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Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
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Stir in baby spinach just before serving for extra greens.
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Replace cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste.
Ingredient Spotlight: Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a mild, stretchy cheese known for its meltability. In this recipe, it brings creaminess without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes. Opt for fresh mozzarella balls for a luxurious texture or use low-moisture shredded mozzarella for convenience. Mozzarella also adds calcium and protein, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken with Garlic Tomato Sauce offers a delicious balance of indulgence and freshness. With its golden seared chicken, rich garlic-infused cream sauce, melty mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is bound to become a favorite. It’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free—ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Whether served over spaghetti or paired with veggies, it brings a comforting, restaurant-style experience right to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast fillets?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs are more forgiving and juicier. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What can I use instead of cream?
Use crème fraîche, half-and-half, or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. Avoid low-fat milk alone, as it may curdle.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead. Reheat gently and add fresh parsley before serving.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
No, due to the flour. Substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen. For best results, store leftovers in the fridge and consume within 2 days.
6. What type of cream should I use?
Use cooking cream or heavy cream with at least 20% fat content for the best consistency.
7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F), or slice and check that it’s no longer pink inside.
8. Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes to the sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken seasoning.
9. What herbs go well with this dish?
Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would all be excellent additions alongside parsley.
10. What pasta works best with this sauce?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best to capture the creamy sauce in every bite.