Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Indulge in the irresistible combination of juicy chicken breasts stuffed with gooey cheese, coated in a crispy, seasoned breading, and pan-seared to perfection in this cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients for Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breats in the Air Fryer
How To Serve Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Storage Tips for Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Why We Love This Stuffed Chicekn Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More New Recipes You’ll Love
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Get ready for a mouthwatering delight with our cheese stuffed chicken breasts. With a crispy outer breaded crust and a gooey, melty interior, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients for Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts raw ingredients that are labeled

Boneless chicken breasts are filled with plenty of smoked provolone and mozzarella for a gooey surprise.

Panko breadcrumbs provide a delightful crunch to the chicken’s crispy outer layer, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor.

A variety of herbs and spices adds aroma and a savory depth while simmering the chicken in broth contributes to the overall flavor.

After trying this new chicken breast recipe for the first time, you’re sure to love it so much that it will end up in regular rotation on your family menu!

You’ll need:

½ cup of panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup of all-purpose flour
¼ cup of parmesan cheese
1½ teaspoons of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of onion powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total weight)
4 slices of smoked provolone cheese
½ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (2 tablespoons per breast)
2½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of salted butter
⅔ cup of chicken broth
Fresh sweet basil leaves, optional garnish

Substitutions and Additions

Good quality ingredients make all the difference in the juicy chicken breast meal. Your grocery store will have a variety of options you can utilize when making this dinner.

BREADCRUMBS: You can substitute seasoned Italian panko breadcrumbs for plain panko. You could also use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs instead of the panko.

CHEESE: You can substitute Swiss cheese slices, white American cheese slices, shredded gruyere, feta cheese, fontina, Monterey jack, gouda or cheddar cheese for the smoked provolone and shredded mozzarella cheese.

You could also try using fresh mozzarella in this recipe.

CHICKEN BREAST: Try using turkey breast for a leaner option with a slightly different taste. Both chicken and turkey are excellent sources of lean protein, but turkey tends to have a slightly richer flavor.

CHICKEN THIGHS: You could use boneless chicken thighs in this recipe as opposed to boneless skinless chicken breast. Since thighs are smaller, you may need to reduce the amount of filling you put in each one.

PARMESAN CHEESE: Asiago cheese is a great alternative, offering a slightly tangier and more robust flavor than Parmesan. Keep in mind that Asiago melts differently, so it may change the texture slightly.

ITALIAN SEASONING: Try a mix of dried basil and oregano for a similar flavor profile. This combination will give you the herbal notes that Italian seasoning typically offers.

GARLIC: I love adding fresh garlic at every opportunity. If you love extra garlic in your meals, you can add a half tablespoon of fresh garlic to the broth when cooking.

SPICE: Add crushed red pepper flakes in ¼ teaspoon increments to add rich heat to your dish.

BACON: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon pieces to the stuffed chicken breasts.

SALT AND PEPPER: Experiment with different types of salt, like Himalayan pink or sea salt, for a subtle change in flavor. Freshly ground black pepper can also add a more pungent kick compared to pre-ground.

VEGETABLES: Add a few leaves of fresh spinach to each sliced chicken breast prior to baking if you would like a creamy spinach filling. I would recommend using fresh baby spinach.

You could also add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms as well. It’s a great way to get some extra veggies on the dinner table!

LOW-CARB: If you omit the bread crumbs and flour, this will be a keto-friendly, low carb meal.

Use a smear of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of cream cheese on the top of the breast before coating them in Parmesan cheese and seasoning.

You could serve with a salad and cauliflower rice for the complete keto meal.

How To Make This Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

It’s simple to make these cheesy provolone and mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts.

We’ll walk you through the process below with full instructions and step-by-step photos.

STEP ONE: Add the panko bread crumbs, flour, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a medium bowl.

Whisk to combine.

panko bread crumbs, flour, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder whisked together in a bowl

STEP TWO: To slice a pocket into the chicken breast, line a baking sheet with a layer of paper towels. Place the boneless skinless chicken breast on the paper towels.

You could also use a cutting board if you would prefer.

Hold one of your hands flat on top of the chicken breast.

Carefully use a sharp knife to slice into the thicker portion of the chicken breast about ⅔-¾ of the way through. This is delicate work, so take your time.

You want to have deep pockets to fill with the gooey cheese.

If your chicken breast half is particularly thick, you could also use a meat mallet. You want it to be uniform in sizing and thickness so that it will cook evenly.

STEP THREE: Fold one of the slices of provolone in half. Stuff the folded slices of provolone into the pocket of the chicken breast.

If your pocket is not quite wide enough, carefully slice just enough for the cheese to fit.

Next, stuff two tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella on top of the provolone. Repeat for the remaining chicken breasts.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Use toothpicks to secure the stuffed chicken breasts. This prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking and ensures an even distribution of flavors.

provolone and mozzarella cheese folded into the chicken breast

STEP FOUR: Add the extra virgin olive oil and butter to a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.

STEP FIVE: Bread both sides of the chicken breast with the bread mixture.

PRO TIP:

If the surface of the stuffed chicken breast has dried before coating in the bread crumbs, you can brush the top of the chicken breasts with water or extra virgin olive oil before coating.

chicken breast breaded with the bread mixture

STEP SIX: Add the coated chicken breast to the cast iron skillet at medium heat. Sear both sides of the chicken breast for six to seven minutes per side.

STEP SEVEN: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken broth and cover the large skillet.

chicken cooked in a skillet and garnished with basil

Cook for an additional eight to nine minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer. Be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and the juices run clear.

Garnish with sweet basil leaves. Serve while hot.

PRO TIP:

Every stove top cooks differently, so keep a close eye on the chicken as it cooks, adjusting the heat up or down as needed.

How to Make Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breats in the Air Fryer

Want to skip the stovetop for this easy chicken dinner? Grab your air fryer and you’ll have supper ready in no time!

Prepare the Chicken: Follow the recipe’s initial steps to prepare the chicken breasts with the cheese stuffing.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Follow your model’s preheating instructions to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. Some air fryer models require preheating before cooking.

Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Place the prepared chicken breasts in the basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even air circulation.

Cooking Time: Cook the chicken breasts for about ten minutes.

Then, carefully flip them over and continue to cook for another ten to 15 minutes.

The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your air fryer model.

Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking.

The cheese inside should be melted and bubbly.

Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.

Remember, air fryers can vary in their cooking times and temperatures, so you might need to adjust these guidelines slightly based on your specific model.

Also, keep in mind that cooking in an air fryer might not give you the same crispy outer layer as traditional oven baking or pan-frying.

How To Serve Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a crisp tomato cucumber salad for a comforting, easy weeknight dinner.

They would also be delicious served with pasta and homemade tomato sauce.

For a creative twist, consider using leftover stuffed chicken in sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch option.

Create a cucumber side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to serve with your stuffed chicken.

If you are looking for more delicious chicken recipes, don’t forget to try our smothered chicken and pan-seared chicken.

Be sure to try our cheese stuffed meatballs as well!

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Storage Tips for Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

We have some helpful tips to ensure your stuffed chicken is stored properly.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare these delicious cheese stuffed chicken breasts in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers from this easy stuffed chicken breast recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to two months.

REHEATING: To reheat, use your microwave for a quick fix or place the frozen chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the cheese inside is melty and the chicken is hot.

You could also reheat in an air fryer or in a large skillet.

Why We Love This Stuffed Chicekn Recipe

CHEESY GOODNESS: Who can resist the combination of gooey mozzarella cheese and provolone oozing from tender seasoned chicken?

CROWD-PLEASER: This chicken recipe is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance. It’s an easy way to have a homecooked meal even on the busiest nights.

Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts garnished with basil in a skillet

Our cheese stuffed chicken breasts are the best way to enjoy the goodness of gooey mozzarella and provolone with tender chicken. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and the perfect amount of crowd-pleasing flavor make it an easy dinner recipe you’ll love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different kinds of cheese for stuffing?

Experiment with cheeses like Swiss, gruyere, or Monterey jack for a unique twist on this easy recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the juices should run clear.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?

While boneless is recommended, you can use bone-in chicken breasts with longer cooking times.

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