Cooking Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Beginner’s Guide

Craving a savory and cheesy dish that’s sure to impress? Look no further than Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast! This mouth-watering recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients List

Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (½ stick)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken and preparing the garlic.
2. Mixing Bowls: For the cheese mixture, flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Meat Mallet: To flatten the chicken breasts.
4. Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To secure the stuffed chicken breasts.
5. Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying the chicken.
6. Baking Sheet: To finish cooking the chicken in the oven.
7. Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast cooking experience.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken

1. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts:
   Start by butterflying the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board, and with a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the middle, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Open the chicken breast like a book.
2. Flatten the Chicken:
   Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ¼ inch. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to stuff.
3. Season the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Preparing the Cheese Filling

1. Mix the Cheeses:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and sliced garlic.
2. Add Butter and Seasoning:
   Add the room temperature butter and remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.

Stuffing and Coating the Chicken

Stuffing and coating the chicken breasts properly ensures that the cheese filling stays inside while the outside becomes crispy and golden. Follow these steps for a delicious and visually appealing result.

Stuffing the Chicken

1. Add the Cheese Filling:
   Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be generous with the filling for a rich and cheesy flavor.
2. Secure the Chicken:
   Fold the chicken breasts over the filling, and secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.

Coating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Coating Stations:
   Set up three shallow bowls or plates for the breading process. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Coat the Chicken in Flour:
   Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg mixture adhere better.
3. Dip in Beaten Eggs:
   Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
   Finally, press the chicken breasts into the Panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. The breadcrumbs give the chicken a crispy texture.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil:
   In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken should be crispy, but not fully cooked through at this stage.
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet:
   Once browned, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking and Serving the Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Baking the chicken ensures it is cooked through and the cheese filling is melted to perfection. Follow these steps to complete the dish and present it beautifully.

Baking the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the chicken is being fried.
2. Bake the Chicken:
   Place the baking sheet with the fried chicken breasts in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Rest the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.

Serving the Chicken

1. Remove Toothpicks or Twine:
   Carefully remove any toothpicks or kitchen twine used to secure the chicken breasts.
2. Slice and Plate:
   For an elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts on a diagonal and arrange them on a serving platter. This reveals the delicious cheese filling inside.
3. Garnish (Optional):
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
  Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans for a healthy and vibrant contrast.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice:
  Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice make for a comforting and hearty accompaniment.
• Fresh Salad:
  A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich and cheesy chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage and reheating of the Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast ensure that you can enjoy leftovers without compromising on flavor and texture. Follow these tips for the best results.

Storing Leftovers

1. Cool the Chicken:
   Allow the Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
2. Refrigerate:
   Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Freezing (Optional):
   For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken breasts. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

1. Reheating in the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
2. Reheating in the Microwave:
   Place the chicken breast on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until warmed through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
3. Reheating from Frozen:
   If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the chicken breasts overnight in the refrigerator before following the oven reheating instructions. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in the oven, but increase the baking time to 25-30 minutes or until fully heated through.

Tips for Maintaining Quality

• Avoid Overheating:
  Overheating can cause the chicken to become dry and the cheese filling to lose its creamy texture. Reheat gently for the best results.
• Use Fresh Garnishes:
  If desired, add fresh garnishes like chopped herbs after reheating to restore some of the fresh flavors and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the rich, melty perfection of cheese. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Remember, the key to a great Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care taken during preparation and cooking. Enjoy your delicious creation and don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese blends or seasonings to make the recipe your own. Happy cooking!