Lemon Chicken with Garlic Mozzarella
Description
Lemon Chicken with Garlic Mozzarella is a zesty, cheesy, and tender dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon, the rich aroma of garlic, and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is pan-seared for flavor and finished in the oven to melt the cheese perfectly. Serve it with pasta, roasted vegetables, or rice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier version)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced fresh mozzarella)
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make Garlic Lemon Sauce:
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and optional cream. Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
Combine & Bake:
Return chicken to the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
Serve:
Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 420–480 kcal
Protein 38g
Total Fat 25g
Saturated Fat 10g
Carbohydrates 5g
Sugar 1g
Fiber 0.5g
Sodium 450mg
Cholesterol 115mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the type/brand of cheese, broth, or added cream.
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay juicy. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Skip the mozzarella and cream or use dairy-free substitutes. The lemon garlic sauce is flavorful enough on its own.
Q3: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Try roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, angel hair pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Q4: Can I make it ahead?
A: You can sear the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Assemble with cheese and bake just before serving for best results.
Q5: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through