There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken baking in the oven, especially when it’s stuffed with gooey cheese and flavorful herbs. Imagine a plate of Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan, with its golden-brown crust begging to be devoured. The moment you cut into it, the melted cheese oozes out, mingling with the rich marinara sauce. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite Italian grandmother, and honestly, who doesn’t need that? For more inspiration, check out this Savory Italian Sausage Tomato Pasta recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- What sides go best with stuffed chicken parmesan?
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now picture this: you’ve invited friends over for dinner, and as they walk through the door, their noses are welcomed by the irresistible scent of bubbling cheese and savory chicken. You serve them this dish, and suddenly everyone’s laughing and asking for seconds. That’s what this recipe does—it brings people together and creates lasting memories over delicious food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners less stressful
- Bursting with flavors from fresh herbs and melty cheese, it’s a feast for the eyes too
- The dish adapts easily to various dietary preferences so everyone can enjoy it
- Perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners alike!
Sharing this recipe always elicits gasps of delight from my family; it truly is a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Typically use about 3-4 breasts based on how many guests you have in attendance.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for that creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it adds a nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves for an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works fine; however, homemade is always a delightful treat if you have time.
Italian Breadcrumbs: They give that crunchy texture on the outside while keeping everything juicy inside.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth—don’t skip this essential flavor booster!
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to drizzle over before baking for added richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken Breasts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice them horizontally to create pockets for stuffing.
Create the Stuffing Mixture: In a bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Generously fill each chicken pocket with the cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to secure open edges if needed—no one wants cheesy surprises leaking out!
Dredge and Coat with Breadcrumbs: Lightly coat each stuffed chicken breast in breadcrumbs by pressing down gently so they adhere well. Drizzle olive oil over them for that golden brown finish.
Bake Until Perfectly Golden Brown : Place stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear and tops are golden brown.
Add Marinara Sauce & Cheese Topping : Remove from oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece generously. Top with more mozzarella before returning to oven for another 5–7 minutes until bubbly.
If you follow these steps closely—trust me—you’ll have an epic meal that will have your dinner guests singing your praises louder than any opera singer!
And there you have it! A delightful journey into making Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan that not only satisfies hunger but also warms hearts. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This delicious stuffed chicken parmesan is not only a feast for the eyes but also packs a flavor punch
- The gooey cheese and savory herbs create a delightful aroma that will make your neighbors jealous
- Plus, it’s a great way to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for a golden crust, then bake while preparing an aromatic marinara sauce. This sequence ensures juicy chicken and perfectly melded flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. Personalize this dish to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain its texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to pound the chicken thinly for even cooking and easy stuffing
- Don’t skip salting; it enhances all flavors beautifully
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste that will elevate your dish significantly
Sometimes, I get feedback from friends saying this dish could make anyone swoon! It was a hit at my last dinner party, leaving everyone begging for seconds.
FAQ
Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.
What sides go best with stuffed chicken parmesan?
Garlic bread and a light salad complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of this Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan. Tender chicken breasts are filled with gooey mozzarella, savory parmesan, and fresh basil, then baked to perfection. Topped with rich marinara sauce and more melty cheese, this dish is a surefire way to impress family and friends at any gathering. With its golden-brown crust and aromatic herbs, it’s not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt experience that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create pockets for stuffing.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, parmesan, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Generously fill each chicken pocket with the cheese mixture and secure edges with toothpicks if needed.
- Coat each stuffed chicken breast with breadcrumbs and drizzle olive oil on top.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven, add marinara sauce on top, sprinkle with more mozzarella, then return to bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
