There’s something about the aroma of Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan wafting through the kitchen that instantly transports me back to family gatherings, where laughter and flavor danced together. Imagine tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of cheeses, herbs, and spices, all smothered in rich marinara sauce, bubbling away in the oven. breakfast sliders with cheese baked chicken legs and rice It’s a dish that doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates memories.
Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but reminisce about my Aunt Carla’s legendary Sunday dinners. Everyone would gather around the table, eyes wide with anticipation as she unveiled her masterpiece. The joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite was priceless. This dish is perfect for cozy family nights or impressing your friends at a dinner party, promising an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish offers an easy preparation that even novice cooks can handle
- The harmony of flavors creates a comforting meal that’s hard to resist
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress any guest
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for special occasions
I remember my friend Mike taking his first bite and declaring it life-changing!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose medium-sized breasts for even cooking and easy stuffing.
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Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for quality cheese; it melts beautifully and adds authentic Italian flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for optimal flavor; pre-grated can lose some of its charm.
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Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves to enhance the dish’s freshness and aroma.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; don’t skimp on this aromatic powerhouse.
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Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought sauce works wonders or use homemade if you have time.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a delightful crunch on top while absorbing moisture during baking.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle elevates flavors and helps achieve golden perfection.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound them gently until about 1/2 inch thick for easier stuffing.
Create the Savory Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well blended – you’ll want a flavorful filling.
Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Take each chicken breast and spoon a generous portion of your cheesy mixture onto one side. Fold over the other half carefully; secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Add Flavor and Crunch: Brush each stuffed breast with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and panko breadcrumbs. easy homemade bread This gives you that irresistible crunchy topping when baked.
Bake Until Golden Dreaminess Occurs : Place stuffed chicken in a baking dish with marinara sauce poured over it. Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy!: Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into these beauties. Serve hot with extra marinara on the side for dipping!
This Delicious Stuffed One Pot Chicken Parmesan isn’t just food; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create laughter-filled memories that will last long after the last bite has been taken!
You Must Know
- This delicious stuffed chicken parmesan combines classic flavors with a delightful twist
- The melty mozzarella and tangy marinara create a mouthwatering experience that brings everyone to the table
- Perfect for family gatherings, it’s sure to impress, so don’t forget the garlic bread!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then bake it while preparing your marinara sauce. This method ensures juicy chicken and rich flavors meld together beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experimenting with herbs can elevate the flavor profile to your liking!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to maintain that cheesy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your stuffed chicken is moist, use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F
- Let it rest after baking for maximum juiciness
- Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal!
Cooking this recipe reminds me of my first dinner party where everyone raved about how good it was. It felt great to impress my friends with a dish I had barely mastered!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for delicious stuffed chicken parmesan?
Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What should I serve with delicious stuffed chicken parmesan?
A simple side salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.
How can I make delicious stuffed chicken parmesan healthier?
Use whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. jalapeno popper grilled cheese.
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is a heartwarming dish that brings family and friends together with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, infused with fresh basil and garlic, then baked in marinara sauce to golden perfection. This recipe balances ease of preparation with gourmet presentation, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings. Let this dish become your go-to for creating unforgettable culinary memories.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until about ½ inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, and garlic until well combined.
- Spoon the filling onto one side of each chicken breast and fold over; secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Brush each breast with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over it. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider substituting mozzarella with provolone or adding sautéed spinach to the filling. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat at 350°F to maintain freshness.