Description
Whip up an Easy Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Skillet Dinner! This quick, cheesy, one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, full of flavor and simple to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 thin cutlets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Flavor Builders:
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheesy Goodness:
- 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
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!