What happens when you take the irresistible flavors of cheesy garlic bread and stuff them into juicy chicken breasts? Magic! This Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffed Chicken is a mouthwatering dinner that combines two all-time favorites into one delicious dish. It’s crispy on the outside, cheesy and garlicky on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of comfort food with a gourmet twist, this recipe is for you. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the garlicky, cheesy stuffing adds an explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, the crispy breadcrumb coating gives you that satisfying crunch you love from garlic bread. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, this one will be a keeper in your recipe collection!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need for this flavorful dish. The full list of ingredients is in the recipe card below!
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic (freshly minced)
- Fresh parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Butter
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Making the Garlic Bread Stuffing
In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Melt some butter and stir it in to create a rich, garlicky mixture. This will be your cheesy stuffing.
Stuffing the Chicken
Spoon the garlic bread stuffing into each chicken pocket, packing it gently but firmly. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed to keep the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
Coating the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs with a little Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks.
Baking the Chicken
Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a greased baking dish or sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the coating is golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh garlic for the stuffing—it makes all the difference in flavor!
- To make stuffing easier, place the chicken breasts in the freezer for about 10 minutes before slicing the pockets.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but panko gives the crispiest texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a hint of spice by mixing in red pepper flakes with the stuffing or coating.
- Swap the mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or even a pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier alternative, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes that let the chicken shine. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced meal. If you’re going for an Italian-inspired feast, pair it with a side of pasta or garlic bread. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would make the perfect pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating less crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I air-fry this recipe instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the stuffed chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
3. What other cheeses can I use for stuffing?
Provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar would work beautifully in this recipe. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheeses for an extra twist.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffed Chicken is everything you love about garlic bread, transformed into a hearty, delicious meal. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or just treating yourself to something amazing, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your taste buds
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Description
Elevate your dinner game with this indulgent Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffed Chicken! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a flavorful mixture of mozzarella, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s like garlic bread and chicken combined in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and onion powder. - Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, and oregano. Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer them to the prepared baking dish. - Bake the Chicken:
Brush the tops of the chicken with melted butter and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). - Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle some garlic butter over the chicken before serving.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
- Use toothpicks to secure the filling if it tends to spill out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg