Baked Italian-Style Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts filled with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each of the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts without slicing all the way through.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast pocket evenly with the cheese and herb mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Step 4: Rub each stuffed chicken breast with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
- Step 5: Place the breasts on a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving for juicy, flavorful results.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Italian-Style Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Italian-Style Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grated parmesan cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Italian-Style Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Italian-Style Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Italian-Style Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
