Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parm is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Juicy chicken breasts filled with melted fresh mozzarella, coated in a crispy seasoned crust, and baked in rich marinara sauce make for a comforting and impressive meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided
• Olive oil, for frying
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil
• 2 tbsp. chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a deep slit into each chicken breast to create a pocket. Stuff the pockets with fresh mozzarella, then press the edges together to seal. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Whisk the garlic powder, dried oregano, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon salt into the panko bread crumbs.
3. Step 3: Coat each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
4. Step 4: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Pour the marinara sauce around the chicken and scatter the sliced basil on top. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the chicken.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra cheesy goodness, add a slice of mozzarella on top of the chicken before baking.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, fresher flavor.
• Swap panko breadcrumbs with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for more herb flavor.
• Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta to turn this into a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken parm in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to preserve the crispy coating and melted cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh?

Fresh mozzarella melts more evenly and provides a creamier texture, but shredded mozzarella works in a pinch. Just be careful not to overstuff, as shredded cheese can ooze out more during cooking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken and coat it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying and baking. Just bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for even results.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parm is a delicious and indulgent Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, breaded and pan-fried to a golden crisp, then baked with marinara sauce and fresh herbs. This recipe combines creamy cheese, crunchy breading, and savory tomato sauce for a classic comfort meal perfect for dinner.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Stuffing

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients

• Olive oil, for frying
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast. Stuff each pocket generously with fresh mozzarella, then press the edges firmly together to seal. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Set up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon salt whisked together. This setup will allow for an easy and even breading process.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly on all sides.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step ensures a crispy exterior before baking.
5. Add Sauce and Herbs: Pour the marinara sauce around the seared chicken breasts in the skillet. Scatter the thinly sliced fresh basil on top of the sauce. Turn off the heat, then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Bake to Finish Cooking: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and mozzarella is melted inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish the chicken parm with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious mozzarella-stuffed chicken parm with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture inside the chicken pockets.
• Make sure to seal the chicken breasts well to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Adjust seasoning in the breading mix to your preference.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
• Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F) for perfect doneness.
• Serve with pasta, salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed chicken, chicken parmesan, Italian chicken recipe, breaded chicken breast, skillet chicken parm, baked chicken parmesan