1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle of the chicken, making sure not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a pouch for the mozzarella cheese and any additional stuffing ingredients.

Once all the chicken breasts are prepared, season the inside of each pocket with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This will help infuse the chicken with flavor.

2. Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Now, it’s time to stuff the chicken breasts. Take about ¼ cup of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese and stuff it into the pocket of each chicken breast. If you are adding any optional ingredients, such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or Parmesan cheese, layer them in with the mozzarella. Be sure not to overstuff the chicken, as you want to make sure the filling stays inside during the cooking process.

Once the chicken breasts are filled, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to securely close the pocket. This will help prevent the cheese from spilling out while baking. If you’re using toothpicks, be sure to remove them before serving. If you’re using kitchen twine, tie the chicken breasts snugly to keep everything in place.

3. Season the Chicken

After stuffing and securing the chicken breasts, it’s time to season the outside of the chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the mozzarella stuffing.

4. Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.

Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden brown and crispy. This step will help to lock in the flavors and create a beautiful crust on the chicken.

Once the chicken is browned on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside.

5. Check for Doneness

To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The thermometer should read 165°F (75°C). If the chicken is not quite done, return it to the oven for a few more minutes. The cheese should be melted and slightly oozing from the pocket, and the chicken should be fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist and tender.

Garnish the chicken with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an added burst of flavor and color. Slice the chicken breasts into thick portions to reveal the gooey mozzarella filling inside.

Serve your Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a simple pasta dish for a complete and satisfying meal.