Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan for a Cozy Night

It is a cold winter evening and you need a warm hug on a plate.

This Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is exactly what your family is craving right now. It delivers crispy edges and a molten cheese center that everyone will love.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This dish takes a classic favorite and makes it even more exciting. Your kids will love the surprise cheese center in every bite.

It is perfect for busy winter weeknights when you want something hearty. You get restaurant-quality results with simple pantry staples you already have. This meal feels special but stays completely doable for any home cook.

Simple Method

Do not let the stuffing step intimidate you at all. You simply cut a small pocket and tuck the cheese inside. Toothpicks are your best friend for keeping everything secure while cooking.

Even if you are a beginner, this method is very forgiving. You will sear the chicken first for maximum crunch before finishing it in the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are mostly simple staples that create big, bold flavors together.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 8oz each)
• 4 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1.5 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
2. Using a paring knife, butterfly each chicken breast or cut a deep pocket into the thickest side.
3. Insert 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese into each pocket and secure with 2-3 toothpicks.
4. In a shallow dish, combine flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Prepare a second dish with eggs and a third with breadcrumbs and 0.25 cup parmesan.
6. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg, and press firmly into breadcrumbs.
7. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Spread marinara sauce over each breast and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.
10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this over a bed of tender spaghetti to soak up the extra sauce. A fresh green salad on the side balances the rich, cheesy flavors perfectly. You can also add a slice of warm garlic bread for dipping.

Keep It Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. To keep the coating crispy, reheat it in a 350°F oven for ten minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can to prevent the breading from getting soggy. This dish is a fantastic lunch the next day!

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip the toothpicks or the cheese will leak out.
• Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken for an even crust.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to save on extra dishes.
• Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
• For a winter twist, use a spicy marinara for extra warmth.
• Always remove the toothpicks before you serve your family.
• Let the chicken rest for five minutes so the cheese sets.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap the mozzarella for provolone for a sharper bite.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this meal allergy-friendly.
• Add a spoonful of pesto inside the pocket for a flavor boost.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can stuff and bread the chicken a few hours early. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to sear. This makes dinner time much faster on busy nights.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem at all! Just transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before adding the sauce. It will still turn out perfectly golden and delicious.

I hope this cozy recipe brings a little extra joy to your table tonight. There is nothing quite like that first cheesy bite to make everything feel better. Happy cooking!

— Lidia

Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 8oz each)
• 4 oz low -moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
• 0.5 cup all -purpose flour
• 2 large eggs , whisked
• 1.5 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
• Using a paring knife, butterfly each chicken breast or cut a deep pocket into the thickest side, being careful not to cut through the opposite side.
• Insert 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese into each pocket and secure the opening with 2-3 toothpicks.
• In a shallow dish, combine flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Prepare a second dish with whisked eggs and a third dish with breadcrumbs mixed with 0.25 cup of grated parmesan.
• Dredge each stuffed breast in the flour, dip into the egg wash, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coating.
• Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until the breading is golden brown.
• Spread marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast and sprinkle with the remaining 0.25 cup of parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh basil before serving.