Elevate your chicken dinner game with this simple yet mouth-watering cheesy stuffed chicken. Perfectly seared on the outside, baked to juicy perfection, and loaded with irresistibly savory cheese, this dish promises to become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Fill each pocket with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Extra Tips for Success:
- Use toothpicks to secure the filling and prevent cheese leakage while cooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juiciness.
- Experiment by adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the filling for additional flavor!
Why This Recipe Works: The combination of creamy cheeses paired with the crispy seared chicken creates a perfect balance of textures. Baking ensures the chicken remains juicy, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. It’s an impressive yet effortless dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
