Crispy Chicken Mozzarella Melts

Golden pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in rich tomato sauce and bubbling mozzarella, served open-faced on toasted bread and finished with fresh parsley.

Let's cook

1. Place the 2 chicken breasts between two sheets of cling wrap or a zip-lock bag and pound to an even 1 cm thickness using a heavy pan or rolling pin so they cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried spices such as oregano or paprika.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and 1 teaspoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then reduce heat to low.
4. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of tomato sauce evenly over each chicken breast directly in the pan, then lay slices of mozzarella cheese generously on top.
5. Cover the pan with a lid for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella is fully melted and gooey, or place the pan under a broiler for 2 minutes for a lightly browned top.
6. While the cheese melts, slice the fresh bread into thick pieces and toast them in a separate pan with a little butter over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
7. Place one or two slices of toasted bread on each plate, slide a saucy mozzarella-topped chicken breast on top, and spoon over any extra tomato sauce from the pan.
8. Scatter freshly chopped parsley over both plates and serve immediately while everything is hot and melted.