Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? This Italian-inspired Chicken with Wine and Mozzarella recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that combines elegant flavors with surprisingly simple preparation. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious white wine sauce and crowned with melted, gooey mozzarella cheese - all achievable in under 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better browning.
- Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and developing a nice exterior crust.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken breasts during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
- Remove skillet from heat and let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to set.
- Transfer chicken to serving plates, spooning any remaining pan sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature - 165°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices and keep the meat tender and succulent.
- Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor profile.
- Don't rush the cooking process - medium-high heat and patience will give you the most delicious results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when sautéing the garlic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
