Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this stuffed chicken parmesan recipe! It’s a dish that brings together everything I love about comfort food—juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and all that melty cheese! Seriously, every bite is like a warm hug. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the smiles around the table were priceless. It’s so satisfying to take that first slice and see all the gooey cheese spilling out. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight! This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I just know it’ll be a hit in yours too. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this stuffed chicken parmesan shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Make sure they’re fresh for the juiciest results!
- 1 cup marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – The gooier, the better! This is where the magic happens.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – Adds that extra depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – For that delightful crispy topping that contrasts the tender chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs that brings it all together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps to brown the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors!
Trust me, these ingredients will create a sumptuous meal that you and your family will crave again and again!
How to Prepare Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Preparing this stuffed chicken parmesan is easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar by the time you’re done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- Prepare the chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket in each one. You want to create enough space to hold all that cheesy goodness without cutting all the way through. Think of it as tucking in a cozy blanket of cheese!
- Mix the cheese: In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Give it a good stir to mix them up. This cheesy mixture is going to be the star of the show!
- Stuff the chicken: Now, take that cheese mixture and generously stuff each chicken breast pocket. Don’t be shy here; the more cheese, the merrier! You want it packed but not overflowing.
- Season the outside: Next, season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavors beautifully as it cooks.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden color here, which adds flavor!
- Transfer to a baking dish: After browning, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. This is where the magic happens in the oven!
- Add marinara and breadcrumbs: Pour your marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. This will create a delicious crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Finally, pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is gooey and bubbly. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
And there you have it! A scrumptious stuffed chicken parmesan that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This stuffed chicken parmesan recipe not only tastes amazing, but it also packs a satisfying nutritional punch. Each serving, which is one chicken breast, contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But I can assure you, with all that protein and flavor, this dish is a fantastic choice for a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The rich flavors of marinara and gooey cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Family-friendly—kids and adults alike will adore this dish.
- Gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, so everyone can enjoy it!
- It’s satisfying and hearty, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
Tips for Success
To really nail this stuffed chicken parmesan recipe, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on using fresh herbs; they add an incredible flavor boost that dried herbs just can’t match. Also, make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. If you can, use homemade marinara sauce—it makes a world of difference! And remember, if you want an extra cheesy experience, feel free to add more cheese in the stuffing. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Variations on Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
One of the best things about this stuffed chicken parmesan recipe is how versatile it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping in different cheeses—like gouda or fontina—for a unique twist. You can also add some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to the cheese mixture for an extra veggie boost. Feeling adventurous? Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair! And don’t forget about seasoning; experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your stuffed chicken parmesan, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, but I recommend the oven for that crispy topping! Enjoy every last cheesy bite!
FAQ About Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about this stuffed chicken parmesan recipe.
How long do I bake the chicken? You’ll want to bake the stuffed chicken for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be all gooey and bubbly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the stuffed chicken earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.
What can I substitute for the breadcrumbs? If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour work great! You could also use panko for an extra crispy topping.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up.
Can I add vegetables to the stuffing? Definitely! Feel free to mix in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to add some color and nutrition to your stuffing. The more, the merrier!
Got more questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you make the most of this delicious recipe!
Print
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe: 7 Comforting Layers of Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious stuffed chicken parmesan recipe that combines tender chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast for stuffing.
- Mix mozzarella and parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown each chicken breast on both sides in the skillet.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with pasta or a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken parmesan recipe