Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner recipe? Look no further than this Mozzarella Chicken! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and comforting meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for impressing guests with minimal effort. This dish features juicy chicken breasts, coated in a simple yet flavorful breading, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. What’s not to love?
Why This Mozzarella Chicken Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. The preparation is straightforward, and the cooking process is relatively quick.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. This recipe uses common kitchen staples, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different herbs and spices to the breading, use different types of cheese, or serve it with various sides.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this Mozzarella Chicken. It’s a comforting and familiar dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. Aim for chicken breasts that are about 6-8 ounces each.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used for dredging the chicken, creating a base for the breading to adhere to.
* **Eggs:** Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
* **Breadcrumbs:** I prefer using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor, but plain breadcrumbs work just as well. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element to the breading.
* **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of dried herbs that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the breading.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the chicken and breading.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for pan-frying the chicken.
* **Marinara Sauce:** Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. I recommend using a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella cheese both work well. Use whatever you prefer.
* **Fresh Basil:** Optional, for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect Mozzarella Chicken every time:
**Preparation:**
1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
2. **Prepare the Breading Station:** Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with a fork. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
**Breading and Cooking:**
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
4. **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken breast in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. **Coat in Breadcrumbs:** Press the egg-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the entire surface is covered. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
6. **Pan-Fry the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
7. **Cook the Chicken:** Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Adding Sauce and Cheese:**
8. **Top with Marinara Sauce:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
9. **Add Mozzarella Cheese:** Top the marinara sauce with mozzarella cheese. If using fresh mozzarella, slice it into rounds and arrange them over the sauce. If using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle it evenly over the sauce.
10. **Bake or Broil:** Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
**Serving:**
11. **Garnish:** Remove the Mozzarella Chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
12. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Chicken
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When pan-frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that it browns evenly and doesn’t steam.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Be careful not to overcook it during the pan-frying or baking process.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as good-quality marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese, will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
This Mozzarella Chicken recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Chicken Cutlets:** Use chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts for a thinner and quicker-cooking option.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or Parmesan. You can even use a combination of cheeses.
* **Spicy Mozzarella Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce for a kick.
* **Garlic Breadcrumbs:** Add minced garlic to the breadcrumb mixture for a more intense garlic flavor.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the skillet while pan-frying the chicken for a more complete meal.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Air Fryer Mozzarella Chicken:** Prepare the chicken as directed, then spray with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Top with sauce and cheese and air fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serving Suggestions
Mozzarella Chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Pasta:** Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
* **Rice:** Serve it with rice pilaf or risotto.
* **Vegetables:** Serve it with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
* **Salad:** Serve it with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve it with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the marinara sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Mozzarella Chicken can be made ahead of time for easy meal prepping. Here’s how:
* **Prepare the Chicken:** Bread the chicken breasts as directed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Cook the Chicken:** Pan-fry the chicken breasts as directed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Assemble the Dish:** When ready to serve, place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake or broil as directed.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Mozzarella Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe:
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each)
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
* Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
2. **Prepare the Breading Station:** Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with a fork. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
4. **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken breast in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. **Coat in Breadcrumbs:** Press the egg-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the entire surface is covered. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
6. **Pan-Fry the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
7. **Cook the Chicken:** Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. **Top with Marinara Sauce:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
9. **Add Mozzarella Cheese:** Top the marinara sauce with mozzarella cheese. If using fresh mozzarella, slice it into rounds and arrange them over the sauce. If using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle it evenly over the sauce.
10. **Bake or Broil:** Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
11. **Garnish:** Remove the Mozzarella Chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
12. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
*Nutrition information is based on estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
Conclusion
This Easy Mozzarella Chicken recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with a delicious and comforting meal. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a party, this Mozzarella Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this classic Italian-American favorite!
Enjoy cooking!