Herbed Lemon Garlic Mozzarella Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 (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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 329 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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.

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