Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Easy Calabrian Chicken with Mozzarella! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts dripping with spicy Calabrian chili oil, topped with melted mozzarella that stretches with every forkful. This restaurant-quality dish is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sunny coastlines of Southern Italy, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Calabrian chili oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better browning and crispier exterior.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage for consistent flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer and become hot before adding chicken.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, creating a nice caramelized exterior.
- Drizzle Calabrian chili oil evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them generously to infuse spicy and rich flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, covering the surface completely.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. The herbs will add a bright, fresh note to the dish.
Tips
- • Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear • Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dish washing and maximize flavor development • Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it incredibly juicy and tender • Invest in high-quality Calabrian chili oil for authentic, bold flavor • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F • Don't skip the fresh basil garnish - it adds a bright, fresh finish to the rich dish • For extra crispy top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 425kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 38g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
