Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a vibrant herb-infused tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, all ready in under 30 minutes. This american-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 329 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 4 oz, sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add the chopped basil and lemon zest, then return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Step 5: Top the chicken with the sliced mozzarella and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
