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; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; Salt and pepper to taste; 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 (homemade); ¼ cup water; 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded); Chopped parsley or basil for garnish; Pasta or crusty bread for serving

There’s something so comforting about a dish that combines melty cheese with a rich tomato sauce and tender chicken — that’s why this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up. It’s simple, quick, and feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows three pieces of food in a pan, each piece having two layers. The bottom layer is a thick, deep red tomato sauce with a chunky texture, spread across the bottom of the pan. On top of each sauce patch is a layer of melted cheese, which is white with light golden brown spots where it has slightly browned. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the cheese for decoration. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. 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 still remember the first time I made this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe — I thought it would take forever, but it turned out to be so quick and full of flavor. It's a total lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.

Speedy preparation: It comes together in just 30 minutes, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
Homemade flavor: The tomato sauce is made from scratch with simple ingredients, so it tastes way better than any jarred sauce.
Comfort food vibes: Gooey mozzarella melted over tender chicken in a flavorful sauce — what’s not to love?
Versatile and customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels and add your favorite herbs to make it your own.

A close-up view of a piece of food with two layers being lifted by a silver fork. The top layer is bubbly, melted cheese with golden brown spots and small green herb pieces sprinkled over it. Below the cheese, there is a rich red tomato sauce visible around the edges. In the background, there are more pieces like this in a cooking pan, all sitting on a white marbled texture. The image shows a warm, freshly cooked dish with a smooth and slightly crispy cheese topping, with the tomato sauce layer underneath photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in the balance of fresh ingredients that build layers of flavor without overwhelming your kitchen. A few key pantry staples come together beautifully here, plus a few special touches that elevate the dish.

Flat lay of four small raw chicken breasts, a small mound of minced fresh garlic, a small pile of chopped yellow onions, a small white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl containing deep red sun-dried tomato pesto, a small white bowl with dried Italian seasoning herbs, a tiny white bowl of red pepper flakes, a tiny white bowl of dried basil, four thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, a few fresh green parsley sprigs, and a nest of uncooked farfalle pasta, all arranged symmetrically 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: I prefer smaller, thinner breasts so they cook evenly and quickly, staying juicy inside.
Olive oil and minced garlic: The garlic infuses the oil, setting a fragrant base for the sauce.
Chopped onions: They add sweetness and depth after a quick sauté.
Crushed tomatoes: Use a good quality canned variety for the freshest tomato taste year-round.
Italian seasoning and dried basil: These dried herbs bring classic Italian flavors without fuss.
Red pepper flakes: I love adding just a pinch for a subtle kick — but you can adjust to your heat preference.
Sun-dried tomato pesto: This is my secret weapon — it adds richness and complexity that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Mozzarella cheese: Slice or shred it — either way, it melts perfectly over the chicken for that irresistible gooey top.
Chopped parsley or fresh basil: For that fresh, fragrant finish that brightens the whole dish.

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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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. I often switch things up based on what I have on hand or who’s joining me at the table.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the sun-dried tomato pesto for a basil pesto if I want a fresher, herbaceous twist that pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce.
Spice level: For little ones or milder tastes, I skip the red pepper flakes altogether; for a bit of heat, I add an extra pinch.
Cheese options: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, try provolone or even parmesan for a nuttier, sharper finish.
Make it gluten-free: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or crusty bread.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

I start by patting the small chicken breasts dry and sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides – seasoning well is key here for flavor. Then I heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil's shimmering, I add the chicken and cook it for about 3-5 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Patience here pays off because you want that nice crust without drying the chicken. After cooking, I take the chicken off the pan and set it aside on a plate—don’t worry, it’ll get cozy in the sauce soon.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce Base

Using the same pan (because those browned bits hold so much flavor), I toss in the chopped onions and sauté them in any oil left behind, or add a touch more if needed. I cook the onions until they soften and become translucent – about 2-3 minutes. Then I add minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds to release its scent without burning. Next comes the star of this recipe: crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomato pesto. I stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. At this point, I add ¼ cup water to loosen it up a bit, cover, lower the heat, and let it gently simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and all those flavors blend beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper here – your sauce should sing!

Step 3: Assemble and Broil

Now, the fun part: nestling the cooked chicken breasts back into that luscious sauce. I spoon over extra sauce to cover each piece evenly. Then I top every breast with a comforting slice of mozzarella. I pop the whole skillet under the broiler for just 1-2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection. Once done, I take it out and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or fresh basil ribbons to add color and brightness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe foolproof and extra tasty. These tips could save you some common headaches and give you that confident chef’s glow.

Don’t skip browning the chicken: Getting that golden sear locks in flavor and juices, no matter what you do next.
Use good quality canned tomatoes: It really makes a difference in the sauce, so invest in the best you can find.
Watch the broiler like a hawk: Cheese melts fast and can burn just as fast. Stay close for that perfect bubbly finish.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Tomatoes can be acidic, so tasting last helps balance salt and spice so you get it just right.

How to Serve Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple but fresh with a scattering of chopped parsley or fresh basil right before serving. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to bring it all together. These fresh herbs add that final pop of color and lightness that balances the rich sauce and cheese.

Side Dishes

Pasta is my go-to, especially spaghetti or linguine, to soak up every bit of this luscious tomato sauce. On days when I want something heartier, I serve it alongside crusty bread to sop up the sauce and a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the chicken and sauce in a pretty casserole dish then topped with cheese before broiling, so it feels extra indulgent. Another time, I spooned the saucy chicken over creamy polenta for a cozy twist that wowed my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover mozzarella chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days — just be sure to press plastic wrap gently against the cheese to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely, especially if you store the chicken and tomato sauce together in a freezer-safe dish. I like to freeze without the fresh herbs and mozzarella on top, then add those fresh when reheating. It lasts well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. If you’ve frozen it without cheese, add fresh mozzarella during reheating and broil for a minute or two to get that melty finish back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful option, but they might take a few minutes longer to cook through. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomato pesto?

No worries! You can substitute with regular basil pesto or even skip the pesto entirely. The sauce will still be delicious but won’t have the same depth of sun-dried tomato flavor. Adding a teaspoon of tomato paste can also enhance richness if needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

You can make a dairy-free version by using a plant-based mozzarella alternative or simply skipping the cheese topping. To make it vegan, you’d need to substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or seitan and use vegan cheese and pesto options.

How spicy is this Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, adding a nice warmth without overwhelming heat. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes completely to suit your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

This Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe feels like such a cozy, home-cooked meal that’s perfect any night of the week. It’s quick enough for busy days but tasty enough to serve when you want to impress family or friends. Give it a try — I truly think you’ll fall in love with how relaxing and rewarding it is to make something this delicious with so little fuss.