Crispy Mozzarella Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter & Roasted Tomatoes

Golden, crispy chicken breasts topped with bubbling mozzarella and served with juicy roasted tomatoes and fragrant garlic-herb butter. It’s an easy, restaurant-style dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Recipe Details
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, for topping
For the Roasted Tomatoes
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Garlic Herb Butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of approximately ½–¾ inch.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Prepare the Crispy Coating

Set up three shallow bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour

Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan cheese.

Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off excess.

Then dip into the beaten egg.

Finally, press firmly into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.

3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine:

Softened butter
Garlic
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Lemon juice
Black pepper
Salt

Mix until thoroughly combined.

Set aside.

4. Crisp the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add the breaded chicken.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the coating is deeply golden and crispy.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

5. Add Mozzarella

Turn off the heat.

Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of garlic herb butter over each chicken breast.

Top each piece with shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan.

6. Prepare the Tomatoes

Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.

Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Arrange them around the chicken if your skillet is large enough, or roast them separately.

7. Roast

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, until:

The cheese is melted and bubbling.
The tomatoes are softened and beginning to burst.
The chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

For an extra-golden cheese topping, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

8. Finish

Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.

Spoon some of the roasted tomatoes and their juices over each chicken breast.

Drizzle with any remaining garlic herb butter and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

How to Get Extra-Crispy Chicken
Pat the chicken completely dry before breading.
Don’t skip the flour and egg steps.
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
Don’t move the chicken around while it’s searing.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best coating.
Don’t cover the chicken while cooking—the trapped steam will soften the crust.
Garlic Herb Butter Tips

For a stronger garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.

For a brighter flavor, add extra lemon juice.

For a spicy version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

For an Italian-style finish, add extra fresh basil and parsley just before serving.

What to Serve With It

This chicken pairs especially well with:

Garlic green beans
Roasted asparagus
Zucchini noodles
Steamed broccoli
Caesar salad
Italian chopped salad
Roasted potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes
Pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs
Cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option
Nut & Allergy Information

Peanuts: None in the basic recipe.

Tree nuts: None in the basic recipe.

Dairy: Contains mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter.

Eggs: Contains eggs.

Wheat/Gluten: Contains flour and breadcrumbs.

Soy: Usually not an intentional ingredient, but check packaged breadcrumbs and cheeses.

Sesame: May be present in some packaged breadcrumbs; check labels carefully.

To Make It Nut-Free

The basic recipe is already nut-free, but check packaged breadcrumbs, seasonings, and cheese for facility warnings if cooking for someone with a severe allergy.

To Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Verify that all seasonings and cheeses are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, although cooking time may vary depending on their thickness.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry, coat it thoroughly in flour, shake off the excess, then dip it in egg and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes. Place the breaded chicken on a lightly oiled wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray or brush lightly with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use mozzarella slices instead of shredded mozzarella?
Absolutely. Fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella slices both work. Low-moisture mozzarella generally produces a more concentrated, bubbly topping.

Why are my roasted tomatoes watery?
Tomatoes naturally release liquid as they roast. For more concentrated flavor, roast them at high heat until they begin to blister and caramelize.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken several hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. For the crispiest result, cook it shortly before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the breading may lose some crispness after freezing. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer rather than the microwave for better texture.

How do I know the chicken is safely cooked?
The thickest part should reach 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Can I make this low carb?
Yes. Replace the regular breadcrumbs with a low-carb breadcrumb alternative or finely crushed pork rinds, and serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash.

Can I make it without Parmesan?
Yes. You can use additional breadcrumbs, although Parmesan adds flavor and helps create the crispy crust.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.