Description
Crispy chicken with mozzarella basil delight brings together golden, crunchy chicken topped with melting cheese and fresh basil for a satisfying dinner that your family will finish in minutes. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish something you can prepare any weeknight when you need a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Coating and Seasonings:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray so your chicken won’t stick during cooking.
- Pat your 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle each piece evenly with salt, pepper, and 2 tsp of garlic powder.
- Pour 3 tbsp of olive oil into a shallow dish, dip each seasoned breast into the oil to coat both sides.
- Transfer the oiled chicken to 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and press gently so the coating adheres to your meat.
- Arrange your breaded chicken in the prepared baking dish with space between each piece.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the coating turns golden and your chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the dish from the oven and immediately layer 8 oz of fresh sliced mozzarella on top of each breast.
- Add your thinly sliced Roma tomatoes on top of the cheese, dividing them evenly across the 4 pieces.
- Scatter 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves over your tomatoes and cheese.
- Return everything to the 400°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes soft.
Notes
- Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading so they cook uniformly and stay moist throughout baking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dipping in oil, which helps the breadcrumbs stick better and creates a crispier coating.
- Add the mozzarella and toppings only after the chicken reaches 165°F inside, preventing overcooked cheese while ensuring safe poultry doneness.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella and top with fresh tomato slices, basil, and a drizzle of good olive oil instead for bright, fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
- Category: Baked Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg