Description
An elevated take on the classic Chicken Parmesan, featuring tender chicken breasts generously stuffed with a creamy, herbed ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling, breaded to crispy perfection, and baked with marinara and melted mozzarella. This stuffed chicken parmesan recipe is a showstopper!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (well-drained if frozen)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch of nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked with 1 tablespoon water or milk
1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Butterfly each chicken breast: Lay flat, slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping an inch from the end. Open like a book. Place plastic wrap over and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
Step 3: Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto one half of each pounded chicken breast, leaving a small border. Fold the other half over the stuffing, or roll it up, securing with toothpicks if needed, to enclose the filling.
Step 4: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 5: Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken in the skillet. Top each breast with mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature) and cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure your spinach is well-drained to avoid a watery filling. Don't skip the searing step; it's key for that beautiful crispy crust! You can prepare the stuffed and breaded chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg