Need something new for dinner tonight? Try this recipe for Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast.
They're easy to make using chicken breasts with a "pocket" sliced into the side then stuffed with mozzarella cheese. The chicken is then seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and homemade marinara sauce.
This savory dish is packed with flavor and takes only 30 minutes from prep to plate. Serve it along steamed green beans or a fresh green salad for the perfect midweek meal your family won't be able to get enough of.
Check out all the other Family Favorite Chicken Recipes for even more delicious recipe ideas.
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This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a meal on the table fast but still want something delicious - all without breaking the bank or taking up too much of your time!
Looking for more Stuffed Chicken Recipes? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Stuffed Chicken Cutlets, and even my Hasselback Chicken Recipe. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Recipe Notes
- What type of cheese works best for stuffing chicken breasts?
- How can I ensure that the cheese filling is evenly distributed throughout the chicken breasts?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- 📋Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Expert Tip
- Baking Instructions
- Serving Tips
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 🍽 Make it a Meal
- 🍶Storage Tips
- ❄️Freezing Tips
- ➡️Top Recipe Tip
- More Easy Recipes to LOVE!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Recipe Notes
When selecting chicken breasts, choose large and thick ones that can hold the stuffing without splitting open while cooking. If necessary, you can also use a meat mallet to slightly flatten them.
To create a pocket in each chicken breast, carefully make a horizontal cut through the thickest part. Take care not to cut all the way through. The pocket should be big enough to hold the stuffing.
You might need to use toothpicks to keep the stuffing intact while cooking, or to secure the opening of the chicken breast. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Once you remove the stuffed chicken breasts from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Slice the chicken and serve it hot with your favorite side dishes.
What type of cheese works best for stuffing chicken breasts?
Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese or even cheddar cheese all work best for stuffing chicken breasts. It really depends on your personal preference.
How can I ensure that the cheese filling is evenly distributed throughout the chicken breasts?
Make sure you make a nice size pocket in the chicken for the cheese to fit in securely. Start by using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken breast, stopping about ½ inch before reaching the other side. Once you have the pocket formed, you can fill the cavity with the cheese.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
4 Pieces Breading Trays SetMore InformationStainless-Steel Breading TraysMore InformationThe Pioneer Woman Baking DishMore InformationDigital Instant Read Meat Thermometer KitchenMore InformationMeat Tenderizer, Heavy Duty Hammer MalletMore Information
📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Substitutions and Variations
Choose a different cheese if you want. You can make this recipe using cheddar cheese or even a combination of cheeses!
Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before baking for an added level of flavor.
You can use your favorite jar of marinara sauce or try my Homemade Marinara Sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to form pockets.
Step 2: Fill each pocket with mozzarella cheese.
Expert Tip
Use a pan that can safely go from stovetop to oven like a cast iron skillet.
Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat, searing for approximately 4 minutes on each side.
Step 5: Add the marinara sauce to the pan and cover the chicken slightly.
Baking Instructions
Step 1: Place in the oven and bake at 375°F for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For accuracy, I recommend using a digital meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness every time!
Serving Tips
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the cheese filling to set before slicing and serving.
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🍽 Make it a Meal
Serve the mozzarella stuffed chicken breast and sauce with pasta, a fresh green salad, and air fryer garlic bread for a delicious and easy meal.
Serve with asparagus or green beans if you'd rather cut the carbs.
🍶Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an air-tight container for 3-4 days.
❄️Freezing Tips
Allow the chicken to completely cool before freezing in an air-tight container for 3 to 6 months.
Let the chicken thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
➡️Top Recipe Tip
Use a toothpick to hold the pocket closed so the cheese doesn't ooze out while searing the chicken.
Cook the chicken in a pan that can safely go from stovetop to oven like a cast iron skillet.
More Easy Recipes to LOVE!
Check out my other recipe for Chicken Stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Spinach. You might enjoy my very first chicken stuffed recipes, SkinnyTaste Chicken.
Or you might enjoy this recipe for Chicken Cutlet Parmesan.
Stress-Free Dinners for a Whole Month!
📖 Recipe Card
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally in the middle, creating a wide pocket.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Divide the cheese evenly between all four chicken breasts and stuff the cheese inside each chicken breast's pocket.
- Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 4 minutes until golden brown on each side.
- Pour the marinara sauce in the pan.
- Place the skillet in the oven and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- Cook the chicken in a pan that can safely go from the stovetop to the oven like a cast iron skillet.
- Use a toothpick to hold the pocket closed so the cheese doesn't ooze out while searing the chicken.
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