Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless breasts, about 1-inch thick. Honestly, don’t use super thick ones unless you want to spend ages cooking or end up with dry chicken. Thin cutlets work wonders here!
• Olive Oil: Just a drizzle for searing. I always keep a good quality extra virgin on hand, but any cooking oil will do. Tried butter once, it browned a bit too fast for me.

• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: This is the heart of the sauce. I love the richness of San Marzano, but any good quality crushed tomatoes are fine. Don’t use diced if you want a smooth sauce, it just doesn’t hit the same.

• Garlic: Loads of it! Minced, please. I usually double what the recipe says because, well, it’s garlic! Fresh is non-negotiable for me, that jarred stuff just lacks the punch.

• Onion: A small yellow onion, finely diced. It melts into the sauce, adding a subtle sweetness. I once accidentally used a red onion, and the color was a bit… surprising, but it tasted okay!

• Dried Oregano: This herb just screams Italian comfort to me. Rub it between your palms before adding to release its aromatics. I’ve tried fresh, but dried really holds up better in a long simmer.
• Fresh Basil: For that vibrant, fresh finish. Tear it, don’t chop it, to prevent bruising. The smell when you add this at the end? Pure kitchen heaven! It just brightens everything.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture, part-skim shredded works best for meltability. I mean, you can grate your own from a block, and that’s usually better, but sometimes convenience wins. Don’t even think about fresh mozzarella here, it releases too much water and makes things soupy.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle for extra salty, nutty flavor. Always grate your own, please! The pre-grated stuff is fine in a pinch, but the real deal melts and tastes so much better.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, always. I tend to under-salt the sauce initially and adjust at the end. I’ve had “oops” moments with too much salt, and there’s no going back from that!

Instructions

Prep Your Chicken:

Alright, first things first for this Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner: grab those chicken breasts and pat them super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear, trust me! Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. I always forget to season evenly, so I make a point now to really get into every nook and cranny. You want a nice, even coating. This step really sets the foundation for flavor, don’t skip it!

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite for this!) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and have a lovely crust. They won’t be cooked through, and that’s okay, we’re just building flavor here. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Build the Sauce Base:

Reduce the heat to medium. Add another splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It’s the best part, honestly. Don’t let the garlic burn, that’s a mistake I’ve made too many times, and it just tastes bitter, ugh.

Simmer the Sauce for Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Give it a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan that’s pure flavor! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together. Sometimes I let it go longer if I’m doing other things, and it just gets better.

Return Chicken & Add Cheese:

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the simmering sauce. Make sure they’re mostly submerged. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and sauce. I go a little overboard with the cheese, to be real. Top with a dusting of Parmesan. This is where the magic happens, visually!

Finish in the Oven:

Carefully transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly browned on top. Keep an eye on it! Once it’s out, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish your Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner with fresh basil before serving. The vibrant green against the red and white? Chef’s kiss!

Storing Your Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner

So, you’ve got leftovers of this delicious Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner? Lucky you! Once completely cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I’ve microwaved it once, and while it’s okay, the sauce can sometimes separate a bit, and the cheese doesn’t re-melt quite as nicely. My personal tip? Reheat gently in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Or, even better, pop it back into an oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and bubbly again. That way, the cheese gets that glorious texture back. Freezing? It works, but the texture of the chicken can change a bit, becoming a little softer. Still perfectly edible for those super busy days!

Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for. I get it! For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here, they stay even more moist, honestly. I tried ground turkey once, and it worked… kinda, but it wasn’t the same comforting skillet experience. If you’re out of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes can work if you blend them a bit first for a smoother sauce. Tomato paste can also amp up the flavor if your tomatoes are a bit bland. No mozzarella? Provolone or even a good Italian blend will give you that melty, cheesy goodness. Cheddar? I tried it, and while it was cheesy, it just didn’t have that classic Italian vibe. For the herbs, feel free to swap oregano for Italian seasoning. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely little kick!

Serving Your Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner

This Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner is pretty much a meal in itself, but it loves a good sidekick! My absolute favorite way to serve it is over a bed of al dente pasta spaghetti or penne are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A crusty piece of garlic bread is non-negotiable for scooping up every last drop. Seriously, don’t skip the bread! For something lighter, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. And for drinks? A glass of crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling water with lemon, just makes the whole experience feel like a little weeknight treat. Sometimes, I even serve it with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a complete, veggie-packed meal. It’s versatile like that!

The Backstory of This Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner

While this particular Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner is definitely a modern American take, its roots are deeply Italian, inspired by classic dishes like Chicken Parmigiana or Pollo alla Cacciatora. My own connection to Italian-American cooking comes from my grandmother, Mama Rosa, who could make magic with just a few simple ingredients. She didn’t make this exact skillet dish, but her philosophy of building flavor from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs is something I carry into everything I cook. This skillet version is my homage to that tradition taking those comforting, familiar flavors and making them accessible for a busy weeknight. It’s about bringing that warmth and tradition to your table, even when you’re short on time, just like my nonna would have wanted, in her own practical way.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs for this Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner?

Absolutely! I often swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to stay even juicier and add a richer flavor. Just make sure to cook them until they’re no longer pink inside, usually takes a few minutes longer than breasts.

→ What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?

You can use canned diced tomatoes, but I’d recommend pulsing them a few times in a food processor first to get a smoother consistency. Or, if you have whole peeled tomatoes, you can crush them by hand, which is surprisingly therapeutic!

→ My cheese didn’t get bubbly and golden, what went wrong?

Oh, that’s happened to me too! Usually, it means your oven might not be hot enough, or you didn’t bake it quite long enough. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and don’t be afraid to give it an extra 5 minutes or even a quick broil at the very end (but watch it like a hawk!).

→ How long does this Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner last in the fridge?

It’ll keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, which is a nice bonus! Just remember my reheating tips for the best texture.

→ Can I add vegetables to this skillet dinner?

Yes, please! I often toss in some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion, or even a handful of spinach at the end. It adds extra nutrients and color. Just remember that some veggies release water, so account for that in your sauce!