Description
This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs, and simmered in a homemade tomato sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. The combination of melty cheese, aromatic spices, and rich tomato sauce creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through to create a pocket for stuffing. In a bowl, mix the dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Season the outside of the chicken breasts evenly with this spice blend.
- Stuff and Sear: Fill each butterflied chicken breast with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the cheese inside. Heat the avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make Sauce and Simmer: While the chicken sears, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour this tomato sauce around the chicken breasts in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks from the chicken if used. Garnish the cooked chicken breasts with fresh chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts carefully helps them cook evenly and hold the cheese filling better.
- To avoid cheese leakage, do not overfill the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Avocado oil or olive oil works well for searing due to their high smoke points and healthy fats.
- This dish pairs nicely with a side of steamed vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.
