Crispy Stuffed Breaded Chicken Recipe

Crispy Stuffed Breaded Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite!

Chicken breasts take on a delightful crispy stuffed breaded chicken recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Golden-brown exteriors crackle with excitement while hiding a surprising inner treasure.

Cheese and herbs mingle inside each perfectly sealed pocket, creating layers of unexpected flavor.

The coating delivers a satisfying crunch that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Carefully selecting quality ingredients transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Simple techniques unlock restaurant-worthy results right in your kitchen.

You’ll want to slice into these crispy parcels and savor every single bite.

Tools Required For Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Large Skillet: Preferably oven-safe for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for carefully slicing chicken breast pockets.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chicken preparation.
  • Shallow Dishes: Three needed for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating stages.
  • Mixing Bowl: For combining cheese, spinach, and filling ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Toothpicks: Optional for securing stuffed chicken breasts.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Cooking Steps For Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Craft the Chicken Pocket

Grab your chicken breasts and slice a gentle pocket, keeping the sides intact. Wake up those flavors with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  • Create a Creamy Filling

Blend mozzarella, cream cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes into a mouthwatering mixture. Carefully tuck this delicious stuffing inside each chicken pocket.

  • Build a Crispy Coating

Set up three stations: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the last with a blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Roll each chicken piece through these stations, ensuring a perfect golden crust.

  • Cook to Perfection

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Slide the skillet into a preheated 375F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, waiting until the internal temperature hits 165F.

  • Serve and Savor

Pull out the toothpicks, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, and get ready to dive into a seriously delicious meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Tips And Tricks For Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Pro Cheesy Stuffing Technique: Ensure a perfect cheese blend by bringing cream cheese and mozzarella to room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smoother, more evenly distributed filling.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. This allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities. Add extra Parmesan for extra crunch.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly coating that delivers incredible crispiness without excess carbohydrates.
  • Herb Lover's Twist: Experiment with different herb combinations in the filling, such as adding fresh basil, thyme, or chopped chives to elevate the flavor profile and create a unique taste experience.

How To Serve Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Cheesy Companion Plate: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious chicken juices and complement the rich, melted cheese inside.
  • Bright Veggie Sidekick: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed salad to add freshness and balance the hearty chicken's flavors.
  • Sauce Drizzle Delight: Top with a quick homemade marinara, garlic aioli, or herbed ranch dressing to enhance the chicken's crispy breading and add an extra layer of moisture.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Match with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and elevate the entire dining experience.

Plan Ahead With Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps perfectly for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours before cooking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate, keeping filling sealed inside for maximum taste.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap uncooked stuffed chicken individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking for best results.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftover chicken in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy breading. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture and maintain original crunchiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Stuffed Breaded Chicken

For The Stuffing:
  • Mozzarella: Creamy cheese that creates gooey, stretchy texture for irresistible filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, smooth consistency to enhance the filling's decadence.
  • Spinach: Brings earthy green nutrients and vibrant color to the stuffing.
  • Garlic: Delivers bold, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and exciting spicy kick.
For Seasoning And Coating:
  • Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that brings out natural chicken taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone to the seasoning blend.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic flavor without fresh garlic texture.
  • Paprika: Offers subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color.
  • Flour: Creates perfect base layer for crispy breading.
  • Eggs: Helps breading stick and creates golden, crunchy exterior.
  • Breadcrumbs: Ensures delightfully crisp and textured coating.
  • Parmesan: Introduces nutty, salty depth to breading mixture.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
For Cooking:
  • Chicken Breasts: Main protein that serves as delicious canvas for stuffing.
  • Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat for perfect golden searing.
  • Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing stuffed chicken during preparation.
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Crispy Stuffed Breaded Chicken Recipe

Crispy Stuffed Breaded Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Chicken Parmesan emerges as a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Diners will savor the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender meat in this crowd-pleasing recipe.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Swiss/Gruyere)
  • ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup spinach, fresh (chopped or cooked and drained)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil (for pan-frying)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Instructions

  1. Pocket Preparation: Carefully slice a pocket into chicken breasts without completely separating the meat, then generously season the exterior with aromatic spices.
  2. Filling Creation: Blend mozzarella, cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and red pepper flakes into a creamy mixture. Gently stuff the chicken pocket, securing with toothpicks if needed to prevent spillage.
  3. Breading Technique: Establish a three-stage coating process – first dust with flour, dip in beaten eggs, then roll in Parmesan-enhanced breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Cooking Process: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Roast until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, guaranteeing thorough cooking and optimal juiciness.
  5. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, carefully extract any toothpicks, and let the chicken rest briefly. Plate immediately to maintain the crispy exterior and succulent interior, serving while the texture remains perfectly balanced.

Notes

  • Pocket Precision: Slice the chicken breast carefully to create a pocket without cutting through, ensuring the filling stays contained during cooking.
  • Filling Finesse: Drain excess moisture from spinach to prevent a soggy interior and maintain the filling’s creamy texture.
  • Breading Brilliance: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crisp, even coating that adheres during cooking.
  • Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking while ensuring food safety at 165F.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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