Name: Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 small chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup chopped onions; 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ teaspoon dried basil; 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato pesto; ¼ cup water; salt and pepper, to taste; 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella); chopped parsley or basil for garnish; pasta or crusty bread, for serving

There's something downright cozy about a rich, bubbling tomato sauce paired with tender chicken and gooey mozzarella cheese. This Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe hits all the right comfort notes — it’s juicy, cheesy, and just the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows a close-up of a pan filled with thick red tomato sauce, textured with small bits and a rich color. On top of the sauce, there are three pieces of golden-browned melted cheese, with some darker spots showing where it has been cooked more. Each piece has a slightly bubbly, creamy texture with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top, adding a fresh look. The pan sides are light brown with some sauté marks near the food. The background surface is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely fall back on this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe when I want something quick but impressive. It’s my go-to for busy weeknights and also great when I want to impress guests without fuss.

Simple Yet Flavorful: The homemade tomato sauce is fast but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Moist, Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken separately ensures it stays juicy, even under the broiler.
Crispy Melty Cheese: That bubbly mozzarella topping adds just the right ooey-gooey finishing touch.
Flexible and Crowd-Friendly: It can easily serve a family dinner or be dressed up for company without extra effort.

A close-up of a fork holding a piece of food with melted, browned cheese on top, sprinkled with small green herbs. The food item appears to have a layer of red sauce underneath the cheese. In the background, a white marbled pan or dish contains more pieces of the same food, also covered with melted cheese and herbs, sitting in a bed of red sauce. The melting cheese has bubbly, browned spots and a smooth, slightly textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe plays an important role in bringing together bold flavors and a luscious texture. Here’s why I love these particular choices and some tips for getting the best results.

Flat lay of four small raw chicken breasts, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of chopped onions, a small white bowl filled with crushed ripe red tomatoes, a small white bowl containing sun-dried tomato pesto, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning mix, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl with dried basil, a small white bowl with salt and pepper, a small white bowl of water, four slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley and basil leaves, and a serving of uncooked farfalle pasta arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Small breasts cook quickly and stay juicy when seared right—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Olive oil: Helps get that nice golden sear on the chicken and carries the garlic flavor in the sauce.
Minced garlic: Adds that wonderful aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Chopped onions: These soften into sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce—look for good quality canned tomatoes for the freshest flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce its classic, comforting Mediterranean vibe.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick; I usually tone it down for kids but love a little heat for adults.
Dried basil: Infuses a sweet herbaceous note, enhancing the tomato flavor.
Sun-dried tomato pesto: This elevates the sauce with complex, tangy richness—honestly, it’s my secret weapon.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all the elements together.
Mozzarella cheese: I prefer fresh slices for melting, but shredded works great for even coverage.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this recipe flexible. Sometimes I swap sun-dried tomato pesto for regular basil pesto if I’m short on time or ingredients, and other times I tweak the heat level for my family's preferences. Feel free to play with it!

Variation: Once, I tried adding sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthier flavor, and it was a tasty twist that everyone enjoyed.
Dietary swaps: For a low-carb dinner, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Seasonal adjustments: Toss in fresh basil during summer months instead of dried for a bright, fresh finish.
Cheese alternatives: Try provolone or fontina for a different melty texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Just Right

First, lightly season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat – you want it shimmering hot but not smoking. Add the chicken and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Don't rush this step — letting the chicken develop a nice crust locks in moisture and adds flavor. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add your chopped onions next, using the oil left behind from the chicken. If there isn’t much oil, just add a teaspoon. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Toss in the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Then stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and that flavorful sun-dried tomato pesto. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Let the Sauce Simmer and Thicken

Add about ¼ cup of water to loosen the sauce a bit, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. Give it a taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil to Melt the Cheese

Now, gently nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce, spooning tomato goodness over each one. Top every breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Pop the skillet under your preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the cheese melts into that perfect bubbly, slightly golden finish. Don’t wander off here—broilers work fast!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh basil ribbons on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or a rustic crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe up a notch. These tips help you get that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and juicy chicken every time.

Don’t Skip the Sear: I used to rush cooking the chicken through in the sauce but searing first locks in moisture and gives you that lovely golden crust.
Watch That Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and get bitter—add it last and cook for just 30 seconds.
Use Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Adding just one tablespoon of this pesto makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmered all day. It’s a game changer!
Keep an Eye on the Broiler: Cheese melts fast; pulling it out as soon as it bubbles prevents burning and keeps it gooey.

How to Serve Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herby finish, but basil works wonderfully too. The fresh herbs cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce for a perfect balance.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually pair this dish with spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic or just simple buttered noodles. Crusty garlic bread also makes a fantastic companion to soak up every last bit of that sauce. And a fresh green salad on the side keeps things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes arrange the chicken in a shallow baking dish topped with cheese and broil just before guests arrive. Present it alongside a colorful platter of roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a gorgeous rustic Italian vibe that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to meal prep. Just pause before adding the cheese topping—freeze chicken in sauce, then add fresh mozzarella and broil when reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you froze portions, add fresh slices of mozzarella on top and broil briefly to melt just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you’re worried about drying out the meat. Just adjust cooking time since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is sun-dried tomato pesto essential?

While it really elevates the sauce’s depth and flavor, you can substitute with basil pesto or simply omit it. The sauce will still be delicious, though slightly less complex.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust or omit the flakes depending on your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free if you serve it with gluten-free pasta or bread alternatives. Just double-check labels on things like pesto for hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe has become one of my kitchen classics because it feels special yet comes together so quickly. It’s a warm, satisfying dish that comforts on so many levels — and I hope it becomes one of your favorites, too. Next time you want something that tastes like a homemade Italian feast but requires just 30 minutes, you’ll know exactly what to make!