Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe

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

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, it adds a rich, fruity flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a convenient way to add garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds a warm, aromatic note.

Dried basil: Another staple of Italian cuisine, it brings a sweet and savory flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

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

Cherry tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they add a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and melted over the chicken, it provides a creamy, cheesy finish.

When cooking the chicken breasts, make sure to pound them to an even thickness before seasoning. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy. Additionally, when adding the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, gently press them with the back of a spoon to release their juices, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• 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.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant and intense flavor, though you may need to use a bit more to match the potency of dried oregano.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a sweeter and more aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish's freshness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor and is often less processed than table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile and can be used if you prefer a milder pepper taste.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an excellent alternative.

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

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled Italian Chicken Skillet into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.

• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The Italian Chicken Skillet can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its delightful taste and texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the dish.

• Reheat the Italian Chicken Skillet in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of chicken broth to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the chicken and cherry tomatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

• If the mozzarella cheese has lost its gooey texture, feel free to sprinkle a bit more on top and melt it under a broiler for a minute or two.

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to revive that fresh, aromatic touch.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Italian Chicken Skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to retain moisture and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check that the chicken is heated through and the mozzarella cheese is melted.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Italian Chicken Skillet in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Italian Chicken Skillet in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir the chicken and cherry tomatoes.
  4. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Italian Chicken Skillet in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the chicken is reheating evenly.
  4. Once the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted, remove and serve immediately.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the leftover Italian Chicken Skillet in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-lock bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 30-45 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately, ensuring the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chicken and tomatoes evenly.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for halving the cherry tomatoes and preparing the chicken breasts.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for cutting the cherry tomatoes and trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts.

• Grater: Used for shredding the mozzarella cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the tomatoes and ensuring they cook evenly.

• Lid for skillet: Necessary for covering the skillet to melt the mozzarella cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.

• Serving platter: A dish to transfer the cooked chicken and tomatoes for serving.

• Meat thermometer: Optional but useful for checking that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Pre-season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you a step during cooking.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to cut down on prep time.

Halve tomatoes in bulk: Place a handful of cherry tomatoes between two lids and slice through them all at once.

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

Prep ingredients in advance: Measure out and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.