Andy Montoya
Chicken and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are several ways to combine the two. You can stuff chicken breasts with cheese, or you can coat them in cheese and breadcrumbs and bake them. Stuffed chicken breasts are simple to make and can be cooked in one pan on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. Baked cheesy chicken is also easy to prepare and can be made in just 10 minutes. Both options are family-friendly and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 2 or 3 |
| Types of cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Ricotta |
| Other ingredients | Spinach, Onion, Garlic, Bacon, Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Italian seasoning, Butter, Olive oil |
| Chicken preparation | Cut a pocket in the chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, stuff with cheese and other ingredients, secure with toothpicks |
| Cooking method | Bake in the oven, cook on the stovetop, or use a combination of both |
| Cooking time | 20-45 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 350-400°F |
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What You'll Learn
Use mozzarella and parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a great dish to make if you want to add cheese to your chicken breast. The dish is simple enough for inexperienced cooks to prepare, yet worthy for those who are more experienced. It is also a very versatile dish, as you can use whichever cheese you have available, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone.
Preparation
Firstly, you will need to prepare your chicken breasts. It is recommended to use thinly sliced, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. You can place the chicken breasts between waxed paper and use a kitchen pounder to pound them.
Before cooking, it is important to let the chicken rest. This will allow the coating to adhere to the chicken breast. You should also season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cooking
There are several ways to cook your chicken Parmesan, depending on your preferences and the equipment you have available. Here are a few methods you can use:
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread a layer of your favourite marinara or spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the dish. In a separate bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, paprika, and pepper. Mix well. Dip the chicken breasts into melted butter, then into the panko crumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the casserole dish. Sprinkle any remaining panko crumbs on top of the chicken. Bake for 45 minutes. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked.
Pan-frying and baking
This method involves first pan-frying the chicken and then baking it in the oven. Begin by dipping the chicken breasts in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven until the cheese is browned and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Pan-frying
For this method, you will need to create a marinade for the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of spices. Pound the chicken breasts to a thickness of about half an inch and add them to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours. Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. In a separate bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing. Top the chicken with the cheese mixture and then with breadcrumbs. Transfer to the oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crunchy.
Stuffing
If you want to stuff your chicken breasts with cheese, you can cut a deep slit into each breast and stuff them with mozzarella. Press the edges of the chicken together to seal, then season the outside with salt and pepper. Prepare three separate bowls with flour, eggs, and a mixture of panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Dip the stuffed chicken in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the chicken until it is cooked through.
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Secure with toothpicks
Stuffed chicken breasts are a great way to add flavour and moisture to your meal. Toothpicks are a great way to secure the filling inside the chicken breast, preventing it from falling out during the cooking process.
To begin, you will need to prepare your chicken breasts. You will want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a chef's knife to cut a pocket into each breast, or you can butterfly the chicken breast by slicing it almost in half and folding it open. Cover the chicken with cling wrap and pound it to flatten it, if you wish to do so.
Next, you will need to prepare your filling. Mix together your chosen cheeses with any other ingredients you wish to include, such as spinach, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. You can get creative with your filling, but be careful not to overstuff the chicken, as this can cause the filling to melt out during cooking.
Once your filling is prepared, stuff each chicken breast with the desired amount of filling. Use a butter knife to help you get the filling into the pocket of the chicken breast. Then, fold the chicken over the filling and secure it with toothpicks. You can use multiple toothpicks to ensure that the filling stays inside the chicken during cooking.
Finally, cook your stuffed chicken breasts. You can cook them in a skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, or in an air fryer. If cooking on the stovetop, heat a skillet to medium heat and add a knob of butter. Add the chicken and brown all sides, cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If cooking in the oven, preheat to 350°F and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For the air fryer method, preheat to 400°F and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Add spinach and garlic
To make a delicious, juicy, and flavourful chicken breast stuffed with spinach and garlic, follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare your ingredients. You will need spinach, garlic, and cheese of your choice. Fresh or frozen spinach can be used, but it should be chopped, steamed, and squeezed dry. For the cheese, a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan works well, but you can use any melty cheese, such as Swiss or feta. You will also need olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Next, create the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, garlic, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until well combined. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as onions, herbs, or a little bacon.
Now, prepare the chicken breasts. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Then, stuff the chicken breasts. Divide the filling evenly among the chicken breasts, and use toothpicks to secure the pockets if needed.
Finally, cook the chicken. You can bake the chicken in the oven or cook it on the stovetop. If baking, preheat the oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Bake for 25-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, cook the stuffed chicken breasts over medium-high heat on a stovetop for 5-7 minutes per side.
Your spinach and garlic stuffed chicken breasts are now ready to be served! Enjoy the juicy and flavourful dish!
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Coat in breadcrumbs
To make cheesy chicken breasts with a crunchy breadcrumb coating, you'll need to prepare a few things in advance. First, make sure your chicken breasts are of similar size so they cook evenly. You can pound them out to an even thickness if needed. Next, set up your breading station. This should include three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of cheese and seasonings.
For the breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs. For the cheese, Parmesan is a popular choice, but you can also use cheddar or mozzarella. If you want to add some extra flavour, try adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme, or spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Once your breading station is set up, it's time to start coating the chicken. First, coat the chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. This will help the egg stick to the chicken. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, turning to coat it evenly. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, turning it a few times to ensure an even, well-coated crust.
Repeat this process for each chicken breast, then transfer the coated chicken to a prepared baking dish. If you have any remaining breadcrumb mixture, you can sprinkle it on top of the chicken. Bake the chicken for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or the juices run clear.
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Bake in the oven
Baked cheesy chicken breasts are a great choice for a weeknight family dinner. They are easy to make and can be served with steamed rice, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. You can also add a simple side salad or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
To make baked cheesy chicken breasts, preheat your oven to 350°F. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta. If you want to add more flavor, you can also add garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or breadcrumbs.
First, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Then, dip each chicken breast in a mixture of melted butter, onion powder, and garlic powder. After that, press the chicken into a mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese. Finally, place the chicken onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and has an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point.
If you want to stuff your chicken breasts with cheese, simply cut a pocket into each chicken breast and fill it with cheese. You can use a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and garlic. Secure the pockets with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from melting out. You can then follow the same steps as above to bake the chicken in the oven.
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