Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; to taste Kosher salt and pepper; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Dried basil; 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 14 ounces Fire roasted tomatoes; to taste Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling); to taste Fresh basil (for topping); to serve Parmesan orzo (to serve on the side); to serve House salad (for serving)

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There’s something undeniably special about the Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken that brings back warm memories of family dinners gathered around the table. Picture a cozy evening, the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air, as I pull a golden, cheesy chicken from the oven. This dish has become a staple in my home, not just because it’s delicious but also because it brings everyone together. I remember the first time I made it; I was nervous, but the smiles on my family’s faces made every moment worth it. Each bite of tender chicken, oozing with melted mozzarella, creates a blissful experience that lingers long after the meal is over. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a quiet night in, this savory delight never disappoints.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
35 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Blender, Skillet, Oven, Frying Pan

Why This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Is So Good

Comforting and Indulgent

The Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. When you cut into the chicken, the melted mozzarella spills out, creating a deliciously gooey experience that feels like a warm hug. It’s hard not to smile when you take that first bite!

Easy to Prepare

Despite its restaurant-quality appeal, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready to impress your guests or family in no time. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights!

Versatile Pairings

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you serve it with creamy parmesan orzo or a fresh house salad, it complements many flavors and adds a wholesome touch to your meal. You can even switch up the sides based on what you have on hand!

Customizable Filling

While mozzarella is the star of this dish, you can easily customize the filling. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or even substitute with different cheeses. This flexibility means you can make it your own!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or a special celebration, Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken fits the bill. Its impressive presentation and hearty flavor make it a go-to dish for any occasion.

What to Gather for Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

When preparing the Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken, the ingredients are simple yet flavorful. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The use of fresh ingredients enhances the overall flavor profile, making every bite memorable.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of this dish, providing a juicy and tender base.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Imparts a lovely herby aroma and flavor.
8 ounces mozzarella cheese: The star ingredient, which melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, adding richness to the dish.
14 ounces fire roasted tomatoes: Provides a delicious sauce that complements the chicken.
Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling: Adds a salty, nutty flavor on top.
Fresh basil, for topping: A fresh element that brightens the dish.
Parmesan orzo, to serve on the side: A comforting side dish that pairs well with the chicken.
House salad, for serving: A refreshing side to balance the richness of the chicken.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Making the Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a delightful experience that brings the kitchen to life. Follow these steps for a flavorful meal that will impress. With just a bit of time and effort, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve!

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial, as the hot oven will help cook the chicken evenly and create a beautiful golden crust.
Take the chicken breasts and cut a pocket into the side of each one carefully. Make sure not to cut all the way through, just enough to hold the filling.
Season the chicken all over – and inside the pockets! – with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. This seasoning will infuse wonderful flavors into the chicken.
Cut 4 pieces of mozzarella cheese and place them inside the pockets of each chicken breast. Don’t worry if some cheese spills out; it will melt beautifully in the sauce!
In a large oven-safe skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned and golden. This will give the chicken a delicious crust.
Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, setting it aside for now.
In the same skillet, add the can of fire roasted tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, feel free to blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
Once the tomatoes are in the skillet, return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Tear up the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it around the chicken for an extra cheesy sauce.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and the chicken to be juicy.
Finally, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top before serving. This adds a lovely finishing touch that brightens the dish.
Serve the Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken alongside the parmesan orzo and a fresh house salad for a complete meal.

Things Worth Knowing

Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F at the thickest part of the chicken.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the seasoning mix to find your perfect flavor combination.
Cheese Variety: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different cheeses that melt well, like provolone or fontina, for a unique twist.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken turns out perfectly, consider these tips. Each one is designed to help you achieve optimal results and truly enjoy the cooking experience.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop!
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken, but it’s best to freeze it without the sauce. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic before placing it in a freezer bag.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light pasta salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and stuffing in advance, then refrigerate. When you’re ready, just cook and bake!
Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional fresh basil and parmesan.

Great Combinations for Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Pair with Garlic Bread: A warm garlic bread complements the cheesy chicken perfectly.
Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or green beans add a nutritious and colorful touch to your meal.
Perfect for Family Dinner: This dish makes for a great family dinner option, bringing everyone together around the table.
Enjoy for Special Occasions: The impressive presentation makes it suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, or cozy gatherings.
Seasonal Salad: A fresh salad with seasonal ingredients adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken.
Comforting Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto for a hearty meal.

FAQ

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re a bit richer and will add extra flavor to your Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for the best results.

The Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. I recommend serving it with a light salad, garlic bread, or even some creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. You can also try it with roasted veggies or a pasta salad!

Definitely! You can prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to adjust your baking time if the chicken is cold when it goes into the oven.

That’s no problem! If you can’t find fire roasted tomatoes, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead. Just add a bit of smoked paprika to get that lovely smoky flavor that fire roasted tomatoes provide.

Conclusion

The Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is truly a heartwarming dish that captivates with its cheesy goodness and tender chicken. I encourage you to try making it for your next family dinner or special occasion. It’s sure to become a favorite, bringing smiles and satisfaction to all who enjoy it!

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a creamy and cheesy delight that's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with melted mozzarella and baked in a zesty tomato sauce, making it a dish you won't want to miss. Try this recipe tonight!

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Prep Time 35

Cook Time 15

Total Time 50

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Blender
Skillet
Oven
Frying Pan

Ingredients

4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
to taste Kosher salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Dried basil
8 ounces Mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons Olive oil
14 ounces Fire roasted tomatoes
to taste Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
to taste Fresh basil for topping
to serve Parmesan orzo to serve on the side
to serve House salad for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut a pocket in the side of the chicken breast.
Season the chicken all over (and inside!) with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and dried basil.
Cut 4 pieces of mozzarella and stick them in the pocket of each piece of chicken.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook on both sides until browned and golden, about 2 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken and transfer it to a plate.
Add the can of fire roasted tomatoes to the same skillet.
Place the chicken back in the skillet, in the sauce.
Tear up the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle it around.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove and sprinkle with parmesan and fresh basil.
Serve with parmesan orzo and a salad!

Notes

Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken, but it's best to freeze it without the sauce.
Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light pasta salad.
Tip 4: Prepare the chicken and stuffing in advance, then refrigerate.
Tip 5: For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional fresh basil and parmesan.