There’s something magical about the aroma of a delicious stuffed chicken parmesan wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Picture this: tender chicken breasts lovingly stuffed with creamy mozzarella, savory herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan. baked chicken legs with rice As you bake it to golden perfection, your mouth waters in anticipation of that first bite. mini kunafa cream puffs The crispy exterior gives way to melty goodness inside—pure bliss!
Now, let me take you back to a rainy Sunday afternoon when I first attempted to impress my family with this dish. Armed with nothing but hope and a questionable recipe I found online, I ended up creating a culinary masterpiece that had everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. healthy egg roll bowl Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, this dish is bound to leave a lasting impression and some very happy bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious stuffed chicken parmesan requires minimal prep time and creates maximum flavor
- It’s visually stunning with its golden crust and vibrant tomato sauce
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta or serve over a fresh salad
What makes this dish truly special:
– It’s easy enough for beginner cooks yet impressive enough for dinner parties.
– Bursting with flavors from gooey cheese and zesty marinara, each bite is a taste sensation. jalapeno popper grilled cheese.
– Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for sharing on social media (hello, foodstagram).
– You can customize the stuffing ingredients based on what you have at home or your preferences.
I still remember my cousin’s eyes lighting up when she took her first bite—it was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 4 chicken breasts; they should be plump and fresh for optimal juiciness.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole balls instead of pre-shredded; they melt better and taste fresher.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself if possible; fresh cheese adds depth that pre-grated just can’t match.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings out classic Italian flavors in the chicken. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Italian Sausage Pasta recipe.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or homemade; either way, it should be rich and flavorful.
Fresh Basil Leaves: These add brightness; toss them in right before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
Olive Oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your chicken that lovely golden color we all crave.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Take each chicken breast and carefully slice into the side to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Be gentle—you want them intact!
Stuff Those Breasts!: Fill each pocket generously with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle in some Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy here; more cheese means more happiness later.
Sear the Chicken: In a hot skillet with olive oil over medium heat, sear each stuffed chicken breast until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. The smell will be irresistible!
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over your seared chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish. Feel free to smother them generously—nobody likes dry chicken.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temp) and bubbling deliciously.
Now that you know how to create this mouthwatering delicious stuffed chicken parmesan, get ready for compliments galore! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in all your culinary glory! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This delicious stuffed chicken Parmesan is more than just a meal; it’s a delight
- The juicy chicken and cheesy filling create a heavenly experience that will impress everyone at your table
- Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then prepare the sauce while it bakes in the oven for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone, or add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To guarantee the best stuffed chicken Parmesan, pound your chicken thin for even cooking and easy rolling
- Always allow your cheese to come to room temperature before stuffing to ensure smooth melting
- Don’t skip resting time after baking; it helps retain juices and flavors!
Sometimes I serve this dish during family gatherings, and watching their eyes light up makes all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Pound the chicken thinner; it cooks evenly and retains moisture better during baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything except baking, refrigerate, and simply bake when ready to serve.
What sides pair well with stuffed chicken Parmesan?
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of stuffed chicken parmesan, featuring tender chicken breasts packed with creamy mozzarella and aromatic herbs. This dish is baked to golden perfection and topped with zesty marinara sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. With its impressive presentation and rich taste, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice into each chicken breast to create a pocket.
- Stuff each pocket with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Pour marinara sauce over the seared chicken in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes with the cheese stuffing. If desired, substitute mozzarella with provolone cheese for a different taste.