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Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 49 reviews

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese and seasoned with fragrant herbs. The chicken is seared to develop a golden crust, then baked to juicy perfection. It is served with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and shallots. This recipe provides a perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and herbaceous flavors and comes together in under an hour, making it an impressive yet approachable meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 oz. low-moisture mozzarella cheese, sliced or cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp shallot, finely minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely and freshly grated
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing. This ensures an even cooking temperature for perfect results.
  2. Prepare the chicken pockets: Cut deep pockets into the thicker, smaller side of each chicken breast and stuff with about 1 oz. of mozzarella cheese. Alternatively, make a longer slit along the longer side and secure the opening with toothpicks horizontally to prevent cheese from oozing out.
  3. Season the chicken: Mix dried thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes in a bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Use toothpicks if needed to keep cheese inside while searing.
  5. Bake the chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Start the sauce base: While the chicken bakes, add a small splash of chicken broth to the sauté pan used for searing to deglaze it, scraping up browned bits for flavor. Add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
  7. Sauté aromatics: Stir in the minced shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  8. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes.
  9. Thicken the sauce: Whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Gradually whisk this into the simmering sauce, stirring well to combine and thicken the sauce smoothly.
  10. Finish the sauce: Stir in lemon zest, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for a few more minutes until the sauce is creamy and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Serve: Spoon the creamy sauce generously over the baked mozzarella-stuffed chicken breasts. Slice the chicken if desired and enjoy with your favorite sides such as pasta, risotto, vegetables, or salad.

Notes

  • Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pocket if cutting a longer slit to avoid cheese leakage during cooking.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese depending on your preference for cheesiness.
  • The creamy sauce can be customized with herbs like thyme or basil for enhanced flavor.
  • Serve with low-carb sides for a healthier meal option.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: Mozzarella stuffed chicken breast, stuffed chicken recipe, creamy chicken dish, baked chicken breast, mozzarella cheese chicken, easy dinner recipes

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/mozzarella-stuffed-chicken-breast-with-creamy-herb-sauce-recipe/