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Chicken Pizzaiola Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

Chicken Pizzaiola is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 large chicken breast approx 300-350g (10-11oz)
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes (canned crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, parsley, basil)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 5 g fresh basil leaves

Topping

  • 1 mozzarella ball

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 2-4 thin pieces and flatten further using the smooth side of a meat tenderizer. Season each piece with a pinch of salt and pepper, then roll in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove from pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Make Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic slices. Stir over low-medium heat for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce reduces by one third.
  4. Add Fresh Basil: Stir the fresh basil leaves into the reduced tomato sauce for added flavor.
  5. Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the pan with the tomato sauce, cover with a lid, and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb the flavors.
  6. Add Cheese: Tear the mozzarella ball into pieces and scatter over the chicken and sauce. Cover the pan with the lid for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and become gooey.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Pizzaiola hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  • Using good quality canned tomatoes enhances the depth of the sauce.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/chicken-pizzaiola-recipe/