Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Oh wow, have you ever tried mozzarella stuffed chicken breast? It’s so cheesy and juicy! I made it last night, and let me tell you, it was so good.

I love how easy it is to make, but it looks super fancy. Like, you cut into the chicken, and all that gooey cheese comes out. Yum, right?

If you want dinner to be fun and tasty, this is the one. I promise, everyone at home will be like, “Wow, you made this?!” And guess what? You don’t need to be a chef to do it.

So, wanna make it with me? Let’s go step by step. You’re gonna love how simple this is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed & Juicy: The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices, then filled with mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully during cooking.
• Simple Yet Impressive: Looks fancy, but it’s easy enough to prepare on a weeknight.
• Versatile: Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
• Cheesy and Comforting: Who doesn’t love a dish with mozzarella melting inside?
• Meal Prep Friendly: Can be prepared ahead of time and cooked when needed.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe makes 4 stuffed chicken breasts — ideal for 4 people. If you’re serving more guests, simply double the recipe.

Difficulty:

• Easy to moderate — suitable for home cooks who are comfortable handling chicken breasts and want to try stuffing them for a cheesy surprise inside.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the tools you’ll need to make this Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe:

• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting the pocket in each chicken breast.
• Cutting Board: A stable surface for preparing the chicken and other ingredients.
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To secure the chicken and keep the filling inside while cooking.
• Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan: For searing and baking the chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: To mix spices and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.
• Tongs or Spatula: To handle the chicken without tearing it.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious recipe (exact amounts are in the recipe card at the end):

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose medium-sized breasts for even cooking.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly inside the chicken.
• Dried Basil: Adds a warm, herby flavor.
• Dried Oregano: Pairs well with tomato-based sauce and cheese.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
• Onion Powder: Balances out the garlic and herbs.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken inside and out.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and giving it a golden crust.

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Crushed Tomatoes: A rich and simple base for the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Brings bold, savory flavor.
• Dried Oregano (or Italian Seasoning): Adds an herby touch to the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To enhance and balance the sauce flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Chopped, for garnish to add freshness.

Variations for Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley inside the chicken with mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
• Different Cheese: Try provolone, gouda, or fontina for a unique twist.
• Spinach Stuffed: Add fresh spinach leaves along with mozzarella for added nutrients and color.
• Bacon-Wrapped Option: Wrap each stuffed breast with bacon before searing for extra flavor and crispness.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

a. Cut the Chicken Pockets:

• Place each chicken breast on a cutting board.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into the thickest side of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a space to hold the mozzarella.

b. Season the Chicken:

• In a small bowl, mix together the dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub this seasoning mix inside the pocket and all over the outside of each chicken breast to ensure every bite is flavorful.

2. Stuff the Chicken

• Fill each pocket with shredded mozzarella cheese — about 2 to 3 tablespoons, depending on the size of the breast.
• To keep the cheese from spilling out, secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Insert the toothpicks horizontally to close the pocket as tightly as possible.

3. Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts.
• Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage — searing helps lock in the juices and gives the chicken a nice crust.

4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

a. While the chicken is searing (or right after), make the sauce:

• In a small saucepan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer on low heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Bake the Chicken

• Once the chicken is seared and the sauce is ready, pour the tomato sauce over and around the chicken breasts in the skillet.
• Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

6. Rest and Serve

• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle.
• Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
• Spoon some of the tomato sauce over each chicken breast and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Presentation

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast:

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Rice: Pair with garlic butter rice or herbed rice pilaf.
• Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette makes a fresh side option.

Storing Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast

How to Store:

• Refrigerator:
  Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.
• Freezer:
  You can also freeze the cooked and cooled stuffed chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat:

• Oven:
  Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave:
  Heat in short intervals (about 1-2 minutes) to avoid drying out the chicken. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to retain moisture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Even Chicken Breasts:
  Choose chicken breasts that are evenly sized and not too thick — this makes cutting and stuffing easier and ensures even cooking. If needed, gently pound thicker parts to even them out.
• Don’t Overstuff:
  Avoid overfilling the pockets with cheese to prevent it from leaking out while cooking. Around 2-3 tablespoons of mozzarella works well.
• Secure Properly:
  Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the pockets securely. Toothpicks should be inserted horizontally to hold the chicken edges together.
• Golden Sear First:
  Searing before baking adds flavor and texture — don’t skip this step! It also helps to hold the cheese inside better during baking.
• Check Internal Temperature:
  Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Let Rest Before Serving:
  Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving — Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	40 g
Carbohydrates	8 g
Fat	14 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	480 mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even cheddar. Just choose a cheese that melts well.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Make sure not to overfill the chicken. Secure the edges tightly with toothpicks and sear before baking to seal them.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can stuff and season the chicken a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, covered, and cook when ready.

What sides go well with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Garlic bread also makes a great addition.

Can I cook this without baking?

Yes, but baking helps melt the cheese evenly and finishes cooking the chicken thoroughly. If cooking only on the stovetop, cover the pan and cook on low heat until done.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is an easy yet elegant meal, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, and a simple homemade tomato sauce makes this dish comforting and satisfying without being complicated. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a complete meal that’s sure to please.