Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Small Batch Chicken Margherita - a perfect fusion of tender chicken, melty mozzarella, vibrant marinara, and fresh basil that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant, but can be prepared in just 35 minutes right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches about 145°F.
- Carefully flip the chicken and cook an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side until chicken is fully cooked through and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring good coverage.
- Top each chicken breast with fresh mozzarella cheese slices, distributing them evenly.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly bubbly with golden edges.
- Remove from broiler and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Cheese Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melting and flavor. Slice it slightly thick to get those beautiful golden, bubbly edges.
- Broiler Technique: Watch the chicken closely under the broiler - those 2-3 minutes can quickly turn from golden to burnt. Stay nearby and rotate the pan if needed for even melting.
- Fresh Basil Matters: Add basil leaves right at the end to preserve their bright color and maximize their aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil Finish: The final drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a luxurious touch and brings all the flavors together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
