Smoked Mozzarella Skillet Chicken: A Flavor Explosion in One Pan!
Are you looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Smoked Mozzarella Skillet Chicken! This recipe combines juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with the smoky, creamy goodness of smoked mozzarella, all simmered in a vibrant tomato-based sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of the savory chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and rich, smoky cheese is simply irresistible. It’s perfect served with pasta, rice, crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or a simple side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy One-Pan Meal:** Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing dishes and cleanup.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The smoked mozzarella adds a unique and delicious smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
* **Quick and Simple:** Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with both adults and children.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. Aim for breasts that are about the same thickness for even cooking.
* **Smoked Mozzarella:** This is what gives the dish its signature smoky flavor. Look for it in the cheese section of your grocery store. You can usually find it in ball or loaf form; either works well.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute with another oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics form the base of the flavorful sauce.
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** Provides the base for the tomato sauce. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce.
* **Tomato Paste:** Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** Thins the sauce and adds moisture to the chicken.
* **Dried Oregano and Basil:** Classic Italian herbs that complement the tomatoes and mozzarella.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** Adds a touch of heat to the dish. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To season the chicken and sauce.
* **Fresh Basil (Optional):** For garnish.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Skillet:** A 12-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe. Cast iron or stainless steel works best.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
* **Knife:** A good quality knife for chopping.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**Prep the Chicken:**
1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large ziplock bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
**Sear the Chicken:**
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. A hot skillet will help create a nice sear.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**Make the Sauce:**
1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste starts to caramelize slightly. This helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
**Assemble and Bake (or Simmer):**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). (Optional: If you prefer not to bake, you can continue simmering the chicken on the stovetop.)
2. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce in the skillet.
3. Slice the smoked mozzarella into thick slices and arrange them evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. **Baking Method:** Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
5. **Stovetop Method:** Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
**Serve:**
1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, crusty bread, or a side salad.
Tips for Success
* **Pound the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and quickly. This also helps to tenderize the chicken.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
* **Use High-Quality Smoked Mozzarella:** The quality of the smoked mozzarella will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a high-quality cheese that has a rich, smoky flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Customize the Sauce:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add a splash of wine or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Variations
* **Spicy Smoked Mozzarella Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier dish. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
* **Creamy Smoked Mozzarella Chicken:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer, creamier dish.
* **Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Pesto:** Stir a spoonful of pesto into the sauce for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
* **Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Parmesan:** After baking or simmering, sprinkle the chicken with grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, decadent dish.
Serving Suggestions
* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the sauce and top with the chicken and mozzarella.
* **Rice:** Serve with a side of fluffy rice. Spoon the sauce over the rice and top with the chicken and mozzarella.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, simply sear it and add it to the sauce, then top with the mozzarella and bake or simmer as directed.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Smoked Mozzarella Skillet Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 10-20g
Conclusion
This Smoked Mozzarella Skillet Chicken is a winning combination of ease and flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The smoky mozzarella adds a unique and delicious twist to a classic chicken dish. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion in one pan!