Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Chicken breasts are a staple in many kitchens, offering versatility, lean protein, and a blank canvas for a wide range of flavors and seasonings. When you stuff a chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, you elevate it into a juicy, cheesy, savory delight. Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts are not only a show-stopper at the dinner table, but they’re also surprisingly simple to prepare. With the right combination of seasonings, cheese, and stuffing technique, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a weeknight meal, this dish never disappoints.
This recipe will walk you through every step of making Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts, from preparation to cooking. We’ll explore the ingredients, methods, and even some creative variations of this dish to suit different tastes.
Let’s dive in and learn how to make Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts the right way.
Instructions:
Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken Breasts
Before you start, make sure your chicken breasts are of an even thickness for even cooking. If they are very thick, you can either butterfly them (cutting them horizontally to open them like a book) or gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
- Butterflying the Chicken Breasts (if needed): Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the thickest part of the chicken breast to an even 1-inch thickness.
- Cut a Pocket (if not butterflied): If you’re not butterflying the chicken, you can make a slit along the side of the chicken breast (horizontally) to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 2: Preparing the Stuffing
The stuffing is what makes Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts so delicious, and you can get creative with it. This version uses mozzarella, spinach, and cream cheese, but you can easily add other ingredients to make it your own.
- Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh mozzarella (chopped into small cubes if using fresh mozzarella), cream cheese, cooked spinach, and garlic. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.
Step 3: Stuffing the Chicken
Now comes the fun part: stuffing the chicken.
- Fill the Chicken Breasts: Take one chicken breast at a time and carefully stuff it with the mozzarella mixture. If you’ve butterflied the chicken, spoon the stuffing into the center. If you’ve made a pocket, stuff it with a generous amount of the mozzarella mixture. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want to be able to close the chicken without spilling the filling.
- Seal the Chicken: If the chicken isn’t closing naturally, you can use toothpicks to secure the edges. Alternatively, you can tie the chicken with kitchen twine.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken
Now that your chicken is stuffed and secured, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer to the Oven: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and gooey inside.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional): If you like a crispy, golden crust on top of your chicken, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each chicken breast about 5 minutes before the chicken is done baking.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.
Serving Suggestions:
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the rich, cheesy chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini provide a colorful and healthy side dish.
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad adds a crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy, flavorful rice pilaf can complement the chicken and absorb any extra sauce.
- Pasta: Serve the chicken with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
Tips and Tricks:
- Ensure Even Cooking: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, make sure the pieces are all about the same thickness before cooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add lots of cheese and spinach, be careful not to overstuff the chicken. Too much filling can cause the chicken to tear or make the filling spill out during cooking.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the stuffing ingredients to suit your preferences. Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, prosciutto, or even a bit of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Make It Ahead of Time: You can prepare the chicken up to the stuffing step and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before cooking, as cold chicken will take longer to cook.
Variations:
While the classic mozzarella and spinach stuffing is delicious, there are many ways to customize this recipe:
- Tomato and Basil: For a more Mediterranean-inspired version, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to the stuffing.
- Mushroom and Gruyère: For a rich, earthy variation, sauté mushrooms with garlic and onions, then combine them with gruyère cheese.
- Italian Sausage: Add some cooked Italian sausage to the stuffing for a hearty, meaty filling.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: For an extra creamy texture, use buffalo mozzarella, which has a milder, more delicate flavor than regular mozzarella.
Conclusion:
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings, they’re sure to impress everyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight family meal or a special gathering, you can’t go wrong with this cheesy, savory creation.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to master the art of stuffing chicken breasts and make a dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare. Remember to get creative with your fillings, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and herbs. No matter how you customize it, Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Chicken breasts are a staple in many kitchens, offering versatility, lean protein, and a blank canvas for a wide range of flavors and seasonings. When you stuff a chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, you elevate it into a juicy, cheesy, savory delight. Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts are not only a show-stopper at the dinner table, but they’re also surprisingly simple to prepare. With the right combination of seasonings, cheese, and stuffing technique, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a weeknight meal, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or in small chunks
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. - Stuff the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, securing it by gently pressing the chicken sides together. You can use toothpicks to hold the chicken closed if necessary. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the skillet is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted inside. - Optional Marinara Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, you can heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
Once the chicken is done, serve with a drizzle of marinara sauce on top, if desired. - Serve:
Garnish the stuffed chicken breasts with fresh basil or parsley for a finishing touch. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or a salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: You can mix in other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Add-ins: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: The chicken can be stuffed and stored in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking.