The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce fills the kitchen as I prepare my favorite comfort food: Chicken Parmesan stuffed. Imagine sinking your fork into tender chicken, oozing with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce. It’s a moment of pure bliss!
This dish isn’t just about taste; it brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed around the dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive occasion, Chicken Parmesan stuffed always steals the show. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chicken Parmesan stuffed recipe makes meal prep easy and fun
- With its rich flavors and creamy textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser
- The vibrant presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties
- Versatile enough for any occasion, you can customize the stuffing based on your preferences!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They even asked for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 pieces depending on how many people you’re feeding; thinner breasts work best for stuffing.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella that melts beautifully; it’s essential for that cheesy goodness.
- Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works fine; just ensure it’s packed with flavor!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty flavor; don’t skimp on this one.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil brightens up the dish; chop finely for maximum flavor infusion.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra punch of flavor in the chicken seasoning.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the melty cheese.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle before baking helps achieve that golden brown crust we all love.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of this delectable dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a trusty baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Season those beautiful chicken breasts with salt and pepper before moving on.
Create the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil leaves. Mix until well combined; this mixture will be heavenly!
Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, create pockets in each chicken breast by slicing them horizontally without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with your cheesy mixture until they’re overflowing.
Bread those Breasts: In another bowl, pour panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and olive oil. Coat each stuffed chicken breast in this crispy mixture evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Place your breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle a little more marinara sauce over them if desired. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes so they don’t burn anyone’s mouth off! Serve hot alongside some pasta or salad to complete this wonderful meal.
And there you have it! Your very own Chicken Parmesan stuffed masterpiece awaits—perfectly cheesy and utterly scrumptious! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Chicken Parmesan Stuffed is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure
- The aromatic blend of herbs will captivate your senses, while the crispy cheese and tender chicken create a delightful texture
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken, then butterfly it for stuffing. Sear until golden, bake with sauce and cheese until bubbly. This sequence ensures flavor maximization and efficient cooking time.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping mozzarella for provolone or adding fresh basil to the stuffing. A dash of garlic powder can elevate flavors, making your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed even more personalized and delicious.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, keeping that cheesy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavors; dried can work but may lack depth
- Always let stuffed chicken rest before slicing; this prevents juices from running out
- A meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness—165°F guarantees safety and juiciness
After trying this recipe at a family gathering, my cousin claimed it was “life-changing.” Who knew chicken could bring such joy? It’s now a staple in our household.
FAQ
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey works well but may require longer cooking time.
What sides pair well with Chicken Parmesan Stuffed?
Garlic bread and a fresh salad are classic side choices that complement the dish beautifully.
How do I know when it’s cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F for safe consumption.
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A delicious comfort meal featuring tender chicken breasts filled with gooey cheese and savory marinara, perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic powder
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Create pockets in each breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, marinara, grated Parmesan, and chopped basil for the stuffing.
- Generously fill each chicken pocket with the cheesy mixture until overflowing.
- In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and olive oil. Coat each stuffed chicken breast evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken in the baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
