Half-Moon Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Filled with a vibrant herb and cheese mixture, folded into elegant half-moon shapes and baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko crust. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs ricotta cheese, finely chopped fresh basil, finely chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2, beaten large eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two equal halves, creating 8 thin pieces. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup ricotta, 2 tbsp basil, 1 tbsp parsley, and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Place 2 tbsp filling on each chicken piece, fold over to enclose, and press gently to seal.
- Step 3: Dredge each stuffed chicken half in 1/2 cup flour, dip in 2 beaten eggs, then coat in 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken halves and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Transfer to a baking sheet, sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Moon Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Half-Moon Herb-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 ricotta cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Moon Herb-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 Half-Moon Herb-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 Half-Moon Herb-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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to chicken dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.