Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Encasing a molten cheese center that melts upon slicing, creating a delightful surprise with every bite. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the sides over the filling to enclose it completely, securing with toothpicks.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is fully melted.
  6. Step 6: Remove toothpicks, arrange chicken on plates, and top with lemon slices. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts?

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 Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts 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 Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts?

American 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.

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