If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress, this Chicken Fillet with Tomato and Mozzarella recipe is the perfect choice. With tender chicken fillets, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fillets:
- 2.2 lb chicken fillets (1 kg)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Butter and oil (for frying)
- Flour (for dusting)
For the Sauce:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 red peppers (diced)
- 7 small tomatoes (sliced into crescents)
- 2/3 cup tomato sauce or puree (150 ml)
- 3.4 fl oz water (100 ml)
- Herbs de Provence (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
For Topping:
- Mozzarella cheese (grated, to taste)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Cooking the Chicken Fillets:
- Season the Fillets: Start by seasoning the chicken fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Dust with Flour: Lightly dust the fillets with flour. This will help create a golden crust when frying and add a slight thickness to the sauce.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large pan, melt some butter with a splash of oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil ensures a rich flavor and prevents the butter from burning. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken fillets and fry them until they’re golden brown on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more butter and oil if needed. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the Red Peppers and Tomatoes: Toss in the diced red peppers and sliced tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their juices.
- Incorporate the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or puree along with the water. Stir to combine all the ingredients, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds a lot of flavor to the sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and Herbs de Provence to taste. The herbs bring a fragrant, Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Baking the Dish:
- Preheat the Oven: While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the fillets are well-coated with the tomato mixture.
- Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce. The cheese will melt and form a deliciously gooey topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish your chicken fillet dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, with your favorite side dishes like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Watch as your family or guests savor every mouthful of this satisfying, flavorful dish.
Tips for Success
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken fillets and sauce. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, and feel free to add more herbs or spices if you prefer.
- Flour Coating: Dusting the chicken with flour before frying helps create a beautiful golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce, adding body to the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and good-quality mozzarella for the best results. The freshness of the ingredients will make a significant difference in flavor.
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken when frying and baking. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so aim for golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 45g
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Chicken Fillet recipe is a fantastic option for those nights when you want something delicious yet simple to prepare. The tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella come together in a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to impress your family or guests. Enjoy the combination of savory, cheesy goodness with the freshness of herbs and tomatoes in this crowd-pleasing dish!
