Name: Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade 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; salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 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; salt and pepper to taste; 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella); chopped parsley or basil for garnish; pasta or crusty bread for serving

There’s something truly comforting about tender chicken bathed in rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey, melty mozzarella—this Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe really hits the spot. It’s a simple, satisfying dinner that feels special without demanding too much time or fuss in the kitchen.

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 Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe when I wanted a cozy meal that still feels fresh and vibrant. The combination of homemade tomato sauce with mozzarella makes every bite crave-worthy, and the quick prep time means it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes without compromising flavor.
Fresh, Homemade Sauce: Making your own tomato sauce transforms the dish with bright, authentic flavors.
Mozzarella Magic: The melting cheese on top creates this irresistible gooey finish that everyone loves.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily dial the spice up or down, and pair it with pasta, bread, or veggies for your perfect meal.

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

Every ingredient here plays an important role—from the chicken’s juicy texture to the sun-dried tomato pesto that adds an unexpected umami boost. I always recommend using fresh garlic and quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce results. Here’s the rundown:

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: Small, thin breasts cook quickly and evenly, so you don’t end up with dry chicken.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and onions to build flavor.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings that classic, savory punch you expect in tomato sauce.
Chopped onions: Gently sweeten the sauce and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes: Use a good-quality canned variety for a perfect, saucy base without the hassle of peeling fresh tomatoes.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce an aromatic, familiar taste.
Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a nice gentle heat to contrast the creaminess of the mozzarella.
Dried basil: Enhances the tomato flavor while keeping things simple.
Sun-dried tomato pesto: This is the secret weapon! It deepens the flavor and makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together perfectly.
Mozzarella cheese: Use fresh slices or shredded; both melt beautifully for that gooey, golden topping.
Chopped parsley or basil: Fresh herbs brighten the dish before serving.
Pasta or crusty bread: Great for soaking up every last bit of that lovely sauce.

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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 things I love most about this Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe is how adaptable it is—feel free to tweak it based on what you have or how you like your meals.

Variation: I’ve swapped sun-dried tomato pesto for basil pesto when I’m short on time, and it still tastes fantastic—just a bit fresher and greener.
Spice Level: Sometimes I skip the red pepper flakes for the kids, or add a pinch more if I want that extra warmth.
Cheese Swap: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, provolone or a mild fontina melt just as well and change up the flavor profile nicely.
Gluten-Free: Serve it with zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a light, gluten-free option.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

First, I sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heating olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, I add the chicken and cook each side for 3-5 minutes until it’s cooked through and has a lovely golden-brown crust. This step is key for juicy chicken that won’t dry out when it bakes under the broiler later—don’t rush it! Once cooked, I set the chicken aside on a plate while I start the sauce.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Homemade Tomato Sauce

Leaving that same skillet on the burner, I toss in the chopped onions. If the pan’s dry, I add a splash more olive oil—just about half a teaspoon. I soften the onions for 2-3 minutes until they’re translucent, then stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds—you want the garlic fragrant but not burnt. In goes the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and sun-dried tomato pesto. I mix everything gently and bring it to a simmer.

To help everything meld and to adjust the thickness, I add about ¼ cup of water, lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes—this step really lets all those beautiful flavors develop while thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.

Step 3: Assemble and Broil for Melty Mozzarella Bliss

Now comes the fun part. I nestle each cooked chicken breast right into the tomato sauce, spooning extra sauce over them. Next, I top each piece with a slice of mozzarella (or a generous handful of shredded cheese). Sliding the skillet or an oven-safe dish under the broiler, I watch closely as the cheese melts and bubbles—usually just 1-2 minutes—to get that gorgeous golden finish. Keep a close eye here, as it can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt very quickly!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few basil ribbons on top adds a pop of color and freshness that I always appreciate. Serve with some al dente pasta or your favorite crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce, and maybe a crisp salad to balance the meal.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe turn out perfectly every time. These little insights save frustration and boost flavor—especially when you’re cooking on a tight schedule.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, give each piece enough space to brown nicely instead of steaming.
Use Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: This ingredient ups the umami factor and makes your sauce taste like it’s been simmering low and slow, even though it’s quick to cook.
Watch the Broiler: Cheese melts fast under high heat—1-2 minutes is usually enough. Stay close to avoid burning.
Season Gradually: Taste your sauce before adding salt and pepper at the end, as concentrated flavors sometimes need less seasoning than expected.

How to Serve Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh parsley or bright basil leaves to garnish this dish. The green contrast makes it look inviting, and the fresh herbal notes brighten the richness of the sauce and cheese. Sometimes a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds warmth and visual texture.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like spaghetti tossed in garlic and olive oil or a crusty baguette to mop up every last bit of sauce. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try plating the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or roasted vegetables. I’ve also served this in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with mozzarella for charming, personal portions that look impressive but are super easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mozzarella chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to scoop the chicken and sauce into smaller portions so reheating is quick and even.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I usually freeze just the chicken and sauce without the cheese, then add fresh mozzarella when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Finish with a quick broil or under the oven’s grill to refresh the mozzarella topping—trust me, it tastes almost as good as freshly made!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs usually need a few extra minutes on the stove.

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

No worries—basil pesto is a great substitute and adds a fresh herbal note, or you can omit entirely and just increase your Italian seasoning for flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spice depends on the red pepper flakes you add. I usually use about half a teaspoon for a gentle kick, but you can leave it out for a mild sauce or add more for heat.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the tomato sauce actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Just reheat gently before assembling with the chicken and cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes I recommend again and again because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy to make. It’s perfect for treating yourself on a weeknight or impressing guests without sweating over a complicated meal. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll love how the fresh tomato sauce and melty mozzarella come together to make something truly special. Once you make it once, it’s bound to be a regular in your dinner rotation!