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Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Marinara Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, seared to golden perfection, and finished in the oven with marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Cheese

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three separate dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third mixing panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, dried onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Season flour and egg bowls with salt and pepper as well.
  3. Stuff Chicken Breasts: Using a paring knife, carefully cut deep pockets into each chicken breast. Insert slices of fresh mozzarella cheese into these pockets and press edges firmly to seal. Season both sides of each stuffed breast with salt and pepper.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Coat each stuffed chicken breast first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture ensuring even coverage.
  5. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the coated chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Pour marinara sauce evenly into a baking pan. Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the sauce, ensuring they are partly submerged.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • If you do not have fresh mozzarella, good-quality mozzarella cheese can be used, but fresh slices work best for melting inside the chicken.
  • Sealing the pockets well helps prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but not overcooked.
  • Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference and time.
  • For a crispier crust, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking to brown the topping further.
  • This recipe pairs well with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/mozzarella-stuffed-chicken-breast-with-marinara-recipe/