Description
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with melted fresh mozzarella, coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust, seared to a golden perfection, and finished by baking in savory marinara sauce. This recipe yields a crispy outside with a gooey cheese center, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the chicken is seared.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three separate dishes for dredging: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Using a paring knife, carefully cut deep pockets into each chicken breast. Stuff each pocket with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, then press and seal the edges to keep the cheese inside. Season both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour marinara sauce into a baking pan. Transfer the seared stuffed chicken breasts into the pan, arranging them in the sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring the cheese inside is melted and the chicken is juicy and tender.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pockets are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for safe internal temperature of 165°F for best results.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
- Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
