Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Recipe for Family Dinners
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken Parmesan Stuffed recipe. With its juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, it’s a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and tangy tomato sauce creates a flavor explosion that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your dietary preferences, whether you’re following a gluten-free or low-carb diet.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable Chicken Parmesan Stuffed:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup bread crumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 slices mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Chicken Parmesan Stuffed:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it horizontally, creating a pocket in the center.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then seal the pocket shut with toothpicks.
5. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides.
6. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
7. While the chicken is baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the toothpicks and spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
9. Top each chicken breast with an additional slice of mozzarella cheese.
10. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Success
For the best results with this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed recipe, keep these tips in mind:
– Use fresh bread crumbs for a crispier coating.
– Make sure to fully seal the chicken pockets to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture.
Variations and Substitutions
While this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
– Swap out the mozzarella cheese for provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
– Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the chicken pockets for an extra burst of flavor.
– If you’re watching your carb intake, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs.
– For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free bread crumbs and marinara sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it even further by serving it with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:
– Serve with a side of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal.
– Pair with a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
– Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for the perfect pairing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe to create a pocket for the stuffing, you can use bone-in chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Simply remove the bones and follow the recipe as directed.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the chicken breasts and stuff them ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, then follow the recipe as directed.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed for later enjoyment. Simply place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your dinner guests, this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed recipe is a winner. With its juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, it’s a meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So, grab your apron and get cooking – your family will thank you!
Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Recipe for Family Dinners
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with marinara sauce. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket in the center.
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Stuff each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and seal the pocket shut with toothpicks.
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Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
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Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
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Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Remove toothpicks from the chicken, spoon marinara sauce over each breast, and top with an additional slice of mozzarella cheese.
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Return the chicken to the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
