Enjoy a restaurant-quality Stuffed Chicken Parmesan made right at home! This crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken breast is stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, pan-seared, and baked in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce. Topped with melted cheese and fresh basil, this easy Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for low-carb chicken recipes, high-protein meals, or a new take on classic Chicken Parmesan, this stuffed version will become a family favorite!

This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan takes the classic Chicken Parmesan to the next level by stuffing tender chicken breasts with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Coated in a crispy Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, pan-seared to golden perfection, and baked in rich marinara sauce, this dish is packed with bold flavors and irresistible textures. Serve it with your favorite pasta, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (4 medium)
3/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided (1 1/2 cups)

For the Breading:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs (such as panko) see notes for GF option
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

For Cooking & Assembly:

3 Tbsp olive oil (plus more as needed)
2 cups marinara sauce
6 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cut a deep slit into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with 2-3 Tbsp of shredded mozzarella, then press the edges together to seal.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, add the flour.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs with a fork.
- In a third bowl, combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Pan-Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken in a single layer and sauté for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Bake the Chicken:
- Pour the marinara sauce around the chicken in the pan, spooning some over the center of each piece.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips

Sealing the Chicken: If the stuffed chicken isn’t sealing well, use toothpicks to hold it together while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy crust, bake the breaded chicken for 5 minutes before adding the marinara sauce.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: If available, fresh mozzarella adds even more creaminess and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour and use gluten-free bread crumbs.
Different Cheese: Try stuffing the chicken with provolone, ricotta, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread and sear the stuffed chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake with marinara and mozzarella as directed.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed and breaded chicken, then freeze it raw on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the cooking instructions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine with extra marinara sauce.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.
For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elevates Classic Chicken Parmesan with a gooey, cheesy center.
Crispy, golden crust that stays crunchy even with the sauce.
Perfect for special occasions but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Customizable with different cheeses, proteins, and sides.

This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home and guaranteed to impress. Try it tonight for a family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor! 🍽️