Description
This authentic Chicken Pizzaiola Skillet combines tender chicken with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want restaurant-quality Italian flavors at home.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 can (14 oz) San Marzano crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Slice into thin scallopini cuts for even cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add bell pepper strips and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
7. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
8. Return seared chicken to the skillet and nestle into the sauce.
9. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
10. Remove from heat and top with torn mozzarella pieces.
11. Cover for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For best results, use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic Italian flavor.
Cast iron skillet retains heat well and creates better searing.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken – work in batches if needed.
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully but part-skim mozzarella works too.
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty Italian bread.
Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 244
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 286
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 65