Best Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet for Cozy Dinners

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

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There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that comes together in one skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a texture that hits just right. That’s exactly why my Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet has become a go-to in my kitchen. Tender chicken breasts baked in a luscious, cheesy sauce with gooey mozzarella melting on top, it’s a feast that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner after a busy day or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe brings that perfect balance of creamy richness and homey goodness that never fails to impress.

Why choose Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet?

Effortless Elegance: This recipe turns simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy meal with hardly any fuss. One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks together for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Cheesy Comfort: Melted mozzarella adds irresistible gooeyness that pleases every palate. Family-Friendly: Perfectly tender chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Versatile Meal: Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies—endless cozy dinner options!

Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

Chicken breasts – Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and tender bites.
Olive oil – Helps sear chicken to golden perfection and adds subtle richness.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced, they infuse the sauce with warm, savory depth.
Heavy cream – Creates that signature creamy base essential for this skillet dish.
Chicken broth – Adds moisture and layers of savory flavor to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Grated for a nutty, salty punch that enhances the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning – A fragrant blend for rustic herbal notes that brighten up the skillet.
Salt and black pepper – Season generously to balance all the flavors.

For the Topping

Mozzarella cheese – The star of the show; melts into a bubbly, gooey topping that defines the Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet.
Fresh parsley – Chopped and sprinkled as a fresh, colorful garnish that lifts the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F while you gather ingredients and season the chicken, ensuring a hot environment for even cooking and that beautiful golden exterior.
Season & Sear: Pat chicken dry with paper towels, season each breast generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear in olive oil until rich golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low, add minced garlic cloves to skillet, sauté until fragrant and just golden, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and deepen savory flavors.
Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir in grated Parmesan, bring mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce lightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.
Return Chicken: Nestle the seared breasts back into the creamy sauce, spooning it over each piece to ensure every bite stays juicy and flavorful before the cheese layer goes on.
For the Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each chicken breast, creating a thick, bubbling blanket of cheese that will melt and turn golden, adding irresistible gooeyness.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until mozzarella is melted and bubbly, and chicken reaches 165°F, about 15–18 minutes.
Garnish & Serve: Remove skillet, let rest 5 minutes for juices to redistribute, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve straight from the pan for cozy, family-friendly dinner.

Optional: serve over pasta or rice for extra cozy comfort.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish with these enticing alternatives!

Herbed Chicken: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Vegetable Medley: Add colorful veggies such as spinach or bell peppers to the skillet for added nutrition and vibrant texture.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a delightful, fiery twist that’ll please the heat lovers!
Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for earthy depth, enhancing the overall flavor and adding a satisfying chew.
Pasta Twist: Serve the dish over your favorite pasta instead of rice for a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will adore.
Seafood Surprise: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops—the quick-cooking proteins pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella.
Nutty Flavor: Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving for a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that complements the creaminess.
Lighter Version: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream; it still creates a creamy sauce while cutting down on calories.

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully before freezing to avoid ice crystals forming.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the skillet on low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency while warming up the dish.

Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid keeping Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

What to Serve with Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet?

Transform your cozy dinner into a delightful feast with these perfect pairings that complement the rich, cheesy goodness.

Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery slices are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, adding a satisfying texture. Each bite harmonizes with the mozzarella’s gooeyness, bringing warmth to the meal.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets offer a fresh and nutritious contrast to the dish’s richness. Plus, their slight crunch balances the comforting creaminess.
Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with herbs makes a marvelous base for the luscious sauce. It’s simple yet elevates the entire dining experience, making every forkful delightful.
Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, adding a light and bright note. The greens provide a crisp texture that perfectly complements the luscious chicken.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned potatoes offer a hearty side that pairs excellently with the creamy sauce. Their fluffiness inside balances the dish while inviting you to savor each bite.
Sparkling Lemonade: A light, zesty drink that refreshes the palate, making it a wonderful complement to the richness of the chicken. The brightness of the lemon brings an inviting contrast.

These thoughtful pairings will turn your Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet into an unforgettable family dinner!

Expert Tips for Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet

Dry Chicken First: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy sear and lock in juicy flavor.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Bake until internal temperature hits 165°F to keep the chicken tender and moist, avoiding dryness.
Simmer Sauce Gently: Cook the cream sauce on low heat to prevent curdling and develop a silky, smooth texture.
Even Cheese Distribution: Spread mozzarella evenly to create a uniform, gooey topping that melts beautifully over the chicken.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma and flavor; avoid pre-minced to prevent bitterness in the sauce.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can season the chicken breasts and sear them up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy sauce (including the garlic, broth, cream, and Parmesan) ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently, nestle the chicken back in, top with mozzarella, and bake as instructed until bubbly and golden. This way, you’ll have a comforting, home-cooked meal with all the deliciousness and none of the stress!

Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the chicken breasts are fresh and ready for this recipe?
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that feel firm and plump with a pale pink color. Avoid any with dark spots or a sour smell—these are signs the chicken is past its prime.

Can I store leftover Creamy Mozzarella Baked Chicken Skillet in the fridge? How long does it last?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container once completely cooled. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to keep the creamy sauce silky and delicious.

Is it possible to freeze this baked chicken skillet? What’s the best way?
Very much so! After the dish cools completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to revive the luscious sauce.

What should I do if my cheese topping doesn’t melt evenly or gets too browned?
Try spreading mozzarella evenly across each chicken breast for consistent melting. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil partway through baking to prevent burning while allowing the cheese to melt fully and bubble nicely.

Can I make this recipe if I have a dairy allergy or am feeding pets?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella, so it’s not suitable for those with dairy allergies or for pet consumption. For a pet-safe option, keep their meal separate and free from any cheese or seasoning.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked perfectly without drying it out?
Use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also gently press the chicken; it should feel firm but not hard. Avoid overbaking by checking during the last 5 minutes to maintain juicy, tender chicken every time!