Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce Recipe
This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and simmered in a flavorful crushed tomato sauce. Seasoned with aromatic Italian herbs and garlic, this skillet-cooked dish delivers a deliciously cheesy and comforting meal in about 25 minutes, perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
Tomato Sauce
- 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Slice each chicken breast horizontally, being careful to stop about a half inch before cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the cheese.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, mix together dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Liberally season all sides of the chicken breasts with this spice blend.
- Stuff with Cheese: Stuff the mozzarella cheese into the slits made in the chicken breasts. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the cheese inside during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
- Flip Chicken and Prepare Sauce: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 4 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the tomato sauce around the chicken in the skillet, avoiding pouring directly over the chicken to keep the cheese inside. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium.
- Cook Through: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the mozzarella is bubbly and melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove toothpicks, garnish the chicken with additional parsley if desired, and adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- To avoid cheese leakage, secure stuffed chicken breasts properly with toothpicks.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
