Italian Style Chicken Tomato Herb (Printable version)
Tender chicken in tomato herb sauce with melted mozzarella and fresh basil.
# Ingredient List:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 lbs)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
→ Dairy
06 - 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
→ Pantry
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1 tsp dried basil
10 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh Herbs
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell pepper; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one skillet so cleanup is minimal and the flavors meld together beautifully
- The tomato sauce becomes incredibly rich as it simmers with the chicken, creating its own perfect serving base
02 -
- The chicken continues cooking after you add the sauce, so do not overcook during the initial searing or the meat will become dry
- Letting the sauce simmer uncovered for the last few minutes if it seems too thin will concentrate the flavors beautifully
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking if they are very thick, ensuring everything finishes at the same time
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and creates the most even sear