Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein of the dish.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding flavor.

Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they add freshness and a touch of sweetness.

Garlic: Minced, it provides a rich, aromatic flavor.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its Italian flair.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded, it melts beautifully over the chicken.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To ensure your chicken breasts cook evenly and remain juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness before seasoning. This not only helps in achieving a uniform golden brown color but also ensures that the chicken cooks through at the same rate, preventing any parts from drying out.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a great substitute for cherry tomatoes.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of minced garlic.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence contains a mix of herbs that can provide a similar flavor profile to Italian seasoning.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild flavor similar to mozzarella.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar level of saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled chicken breasts and cherry tomatoes mixture to an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the mozzarella cheese and other ingredients fresh.
• For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Freeze the Italian chicken skillet for up to 2-3 months. This ensures the flavors and textures are preserved.
• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the dish's integrity.
• Reheat the Italian chicken skillet in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• For best results, avoid reheating the dish multiple times. This can cause the chicken to dry out and the mozzarella cheese to become rubbery.
• Enjoy your reheated Italian chicken skillet with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is bubbly and the chicken is warmed through. This method helps maintain the juicy texture of the chicken and the freshness of the cherry tomatoes.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures the chicken remains tender while the mozzarella cheese melts perfectly.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may slightly alter the texture of the chicken and tomatoes.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can help retain the crispiness of the chicken while ensuring the mozzarella cheese melts nicely.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse in the water bath for about 30 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and flavorful, with the mozzarella cheese melting beautifully.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chicken and other ingredients.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring out the olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning accurately.

• Knife: Needed for halving the cherry tomatoes and mincing the garlic if not pre-minced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the tomatoes and garlic.

• Spatula: Helps in stirring the garlic and tomatoes in the skillet.

• Plate: Used to set aside the cooked chicken breasts temporarily.

• Lid: Needed to cover the skillet when melting the mozzarella cheese over the chicken.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding the mozzarella cheese yourself, this tool is necessary.

• Meat thermometer: Optional but useful for ensuring the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.

Pre-season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts in advance and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to avoid the hassle of shredding it yourself.

One-pan method: Cook everything in one skillet to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.