Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken with Creamy Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our spectacular Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast, lavishly drizzled with a rich, velvety white cream sauce. This exquisite dish transforms everyday chicken into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to an elegant date-night meal. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy-seared chicken breast, revealing a molten, gooey mozzarella center, all perfectly complemented by a smooth, garlicky cream sauce that harmonizes every bite. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that promises pure satisfaction on a plate, leaving you and your guests utterly delighted.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

For more delicious stuffed chicken ideas, you will also love our Baked Stuffed Chicken with Cheese recipe.

Why Readers Love This Recipe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After making this recipe my fiancé said “keep this one”. I often make real simple meals. I love that this was easy and also felt “fancy”. Like, I actually cooked. Highly recommend.
~Jill

This heartwarming feedback perfectly captures the essence of this dish – it’s both effortlessly simple to prepare and boasts an impressive, restaurant-quality elegance. Many home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver a sophisticated dining experience without requiring hours of complex culinary effort. This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast does just that, allowing you to create a memorable meal that feels “fancy” and tastes absolutely incredible, making you feel like a seasoned chef.

Key Ingredients

Crafting this flavorful dish relies on a few core ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. Understanding each component ensures a successful and delicious outcome every time.

• Chicken Breasts: The lean canvas for our stuffing, providing a tender and juicy base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the stuffing, offering that irresistible melty, gooey center.
• Flour: Used for dredging, it helps create a crispy crust and acts as a binder for the egg and breadcrumbs.
• Egg: Serves as an essential wash, allowing the breadcrumbs to adhere beautifully to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: The key to a golden, crunchy exterior, adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Butter: Forms the rich, creamy base for our optional white cream sauce.
• Cream Broth: Contributes to the sauce’s body and savory depth, making it luxurious.
• White Wine (optional): Elevates the cream sauce with a subtle acidity and aromatic complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

What Type of Chicken to Use

When preparing stuffed chicken, the choice of cut can significantly impact the final dish. You have two main options:

• Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the most common choice due to their availability and large surface area, which is ideal for stuffing. They are lean and cook relatively quickly. For this recipe, we typically slice one breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, making them easier to pound and stuff evenly.
• Skinless Chicken Thighs: While chicken thighs are generally more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content, they are often smaller and irregularly shaped, which can make the stuffing process a bit more challenging. If using thighs, opt for larger ones and be prepared to adjust your stuffing and folding technique accordingly. Their inherent juiciness means they are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

For ease of preparation and consistent results, especially for beginners, chicken breasts remain the preferred choice for this mozzarella-stuffed recipe.

Why You Need to Pound the Chicken

Pounding chicken breasts is a crucial step that transforms a thick piece of meat into a tender, evenly cooking canvas perfect for stuffing. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Even Cooking: Chicken breasts are naturally thicker at one end and thinner at the other. Pounding them to an even thickness (ideally between a quarter-inch and half-inch) ensures that the entire piece cooks at the same rate. This prevents parts of the chicken from drying out while other parts are still cooking, leading to a consistently tender and juicy result.
• Tenderization: The physical action of pounding breaks down tough muscle fibers in the chicken. This tenderizes the meat, making it much more pleasant to eat and less likely to be chewy.
• Easier Stuffing and Rolling: A thin, uniform chicken breast is much more pliable and easier to work with. It allows you to neatly enclose the mozzarella (and any other fillings) without tearing the meat, creating a well-sealed package that holds its shape during cooking.
• Increased Surface Area: Pounding slightly expands the chicken, providing more surface area for breading and achieving a greater golden-crisp exterior.

You can use a meat mallet, a rolling pin, or even the bottom of a heavy skillet or glass mason jar to pound the chicken. To keep things clean, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper before pounding. Focus on making the thickness as uniform as possible across the entire cutlet.

For additional insights, you can explore more about Simple Tricks to Make Chicken Breasts Better.

What Type of Cheese to Use

Mozzarella is the star of this dish, celebrated for its incredible melting properties and mild, creamy flavor that complements chicken beautifully. It comes in various forms, and each has its advantages:

• Shredded Mozzarella: This is generally the easiest and most recommended form for stuffing. Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, but for the best melt and flavor, we highly recommend buying a block of whole milk mozzarella and grating it yourself. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a superior texture compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Fresh Mozzarella (Balls or Slices): While delicious, fresh mozzarella has a higher water content, which can make the chicken pockets a bit watery or cause the cheese to seep out more easily. If using fresh mozzarella, consider patting it very dry with paper towels before stuffing.
• Other Cheeses: Feel free to experiment! Provolone offers a sharper, tangier note and melts well. A blend of mozzarella and a harder cheese like Parmesan or Fontina can add depth. For a touch of spice, pepper jack could be an exciting addition.

Ultimately, a good quality, low-moisture shredded mozzarella will yield the most consistent and satisfying gooey, cheesy center.

How to Fold the Chicken

Properly folding and sealing your chicken breasts is key to ensuring the delicious mozzarella stays tucked inside during cooking. Here’s a simple method:

1. Butterfly the Chicken: Lay a pounded chicken cutlet flat on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, but do not cut all the way through. You want to create a hinge, so the chicken opens up like a book.
2. Open and Flatten: Gently open the butterflied chicken. You can lightly press it down with the palm of your hand to ensure it’s relatively flat and even.
3. Add Filling: Place your desired amount of shredded mozzarella (and any other fillings) onto one half of the opened chicken breast. Leave a small border around the edges.
4. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling, aligning the edges as best as possible. Gently press down along the seam to seal the edges. If the chicken doesn’t want to stay closed, secure it with one or two toothpicks. These will act like tiny skewers, holding everything in place as it cooks.

How to Keep Cheese from Oozing Out of Stuffed Chicken

While a little cheese “drip” can be delightful, sometimes you want to ensure your filling stays perfectly encased. Here are effective strategies to minimize cheese leakage:

• Create a Deep Pocket: Instead of fully butterflying the chicken, you can make a deep incision into the side of the thickest part of the breast, creating a “pocket.” This method offers more enclosed space for the cheese and fewer open seams.
• Secure with Toothpicks: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Use 2-3 sturdy toothpicks along the entire seam where the chicken meets to prevent the cheese from escaping. Position them about an inch apart. Remember to remove them before serving!
• Press the Edges Firmly: After folding, firmly press the edges of the chicken together with your fingers. This helps to create a natural seal. For extra security, you can gently pinch and tuck the edges under.
• Avoid Over-Stuffing: While tempting, too much cheese can put pressure on the seams, making leakage almost inevitable. Use a generous but manageable amount.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Cooking at a moderate temperature (like 375°F for baking or 380°F for air frying) prevents the cheese from melting and bursting out too rapidly. High heat can cause the cheese to liquefy and escape before the chicken has a chance to fully set around it.
• Rest Before Cutting: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the internal temperatures to equalize and the cheese to slightly firm up and set. Cutting too soon will release both the cheese and the precious juices from the chicken.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast

The process of creating these delicious mozzarella-stuffed chicken breasts is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by laying your chicken breasts on a clean cutting surface. If using whole breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets (usually 4 cutlets from 1 pound of chicken). Then, pound each cutlet evenly to a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. This ensures consistent cooking and tenderness.
2. Stuff with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese onto one side of each pounded chicken cutlet. The exact amount will depend on the size of your chicken and your personal preference for cheesiness.
3. Fold and Secure: Carefully fold the chicken cutlet in half lengthwise, bringing the uncheesed side over the mozzarella filling. Press firmly along the edges to seal the cheese inside. Insert 2-3 toothpicks along the seam to keep the chicken securely closed during cooking, preventing any cheese from escaping.
4. Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls for your breading station. In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk one large egg until well beaten. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.
5. Bread the Chicken: Take each stuffed chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, carefully coat the chicken entirely in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
6. Prepare for Cooking: At this point, your breaded and stuffed chicken breasts are ready for your chosen cooking method: baking or air frying. Follow the specific instructions below for your preferred method.

How to Pan Fry the Chicken

Pan-frying is an excellent method for achieving a beautifully golden and crispy crust before finishing the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. While the recipe primarily focuses on air frying or baking, pan-frying can be a delicious alternative or a first step to baking:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a rich, golden-brown crust and for the chicken to be cooked through.
3. Check for Doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding the cheese filling. The cheese inside should be beautifully melted and gooey.
4. Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The cooking time for your mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts will vary depending on the chosen method and the thickness of your chicken cutlets. Regardless of the method, always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.

• Air Frying: This method is fantastic for achieving a crispy exterior and cooks relatively quickly. Expect 15-20 minutes in an air fryer preheated to around 380°F (195°C). Always flip halfway through for even browning.
• Baking: Baking typically takes longer but offers a more hands-off approach. When baked in an oven preheated to 375-400°F (190-200°C), the chicken will usually be done in 25-35 minutes. Again, check internal temperature.

Keep a close eye on your chicken, as cooking times can vary based on appliance specificities and the actual size of your chicken pieces.

How to Know When the Chicken is Finished and Cooked Through

Ensuring your chicken is fully cooked yet still juicy is paramount for a delicious and safe meal. Here are several indicators to help you determine doneness:

• Meat Thermometer (Most Reliable): The gold standard for accuracy. Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure to avoid the cheese filling or touching the bone. The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C).
• Visual Check – Color: Slice into the thickest part of one of the chicken breasts. The meat should be opaque white throughout with no pink visible.
• Juices Run Clear: If you gently press on the chicken with tongs or cut into it, the juices that escape should be clear, not pink or reddish.
• Texture Test: Gently press the chicken with your finger or tongs. It should feel firm to the touch but still have a slight give. If it feels too soft or jiggly, it likely needs more time. If it feels hard and rigid, it might be overcooked.

Always prioritize the meat thermometer reading for the most accurate assessment of doneness.

Additional Ideas to Stuff Inside the Chicken

While mozzarella is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to get creative with your chicken stuffing! Elevating the flavor profile is easy with these delicious additions:

• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms (cremini or button) add an earthy, savory depth. Combine them with a hint of garlic for extra flavor.
• Spinach: Blanched and squeezed dry spinach, mixed with a little ricotta or cream cheese, makes for a vibrant and creamy filling.
• Artichokes: Chopped artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained well) provide a slightly tangy and Mediterranean twist.
• Green Peppers & Onions: Finely diced and sautéed bell peppers and onions add a sweet and savory crunch.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon brings a smoky, salty kick that pairs wonderfully with chicken and cheese.
• Shrimp or Crab: For a more decadent, surf-and-turf experience, small cooked shrimp or crab meat can be folded into the cheese mixture.
• Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, can brighten up any stuffing.

Combine one or more of these ingredients with your mozzarella to create unique flavor combinations tailored to your taste!

Optional Cream Sauce

While the mozzarella-stuffed chicken is undeniably delicious on its own, a drizzle of the luxurious white wine cream sauce truly elevates the dish to gourmet status. This rich and velvety sauce introduces an additional layer of moisture and a sophisticated flavor profile that complements the savory chicken and melty cheese beautifully. Its garlicky notes and subtle wine undertones create a restaurant-quality finish that is simply irresistible. You’ll find the full recipe for this delectable sauce integrated into the main recipe instructions below. Don’t skip it if you want to take your meal to the next level!

How to Keep the Chicken Juicy

Dry chicken breasts are a common culinary disappointment, but with a few simple techniques, you can ensure your stuffed chicken remains wonderfully juicy and tender:

• Don’t Overcook: This is the golden rule! Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. As soon as your meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C), remove it from the heat. Every degree above this target temperature increases the risk of dryness.
• Pound to Even Thickness: As discussed earlier, pounding the chicken ensures uniform thickness, allowing all parts of the breast to cook simultaneously and preventing thinner sections from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking.
• Sear First: For baked or air-fried chicken, consider searing the stuffed, breaded chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side before transferring it to the oven or air fryer. This quick sear creates a flavorful crust that helps to lock in moisture.
• Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. During this crucial resting period, the muscle fibers relax, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it too soon, those delicious juices will simply run out onto your plate, leaving you with drier chicken.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

How to Reheat

To preserve the crispy exterior and juicy interior of your mozzarella stuffed chicken, reheating properly is key. The best methods avoid drying out the chicken or making the breading soggy:

• Air Fryer: This is often the superior method for reheating breaded chicken. Place the chicken in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and the breading is crisp again.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is re-melted. Covering it loosely with foil for part of the time can help prevent it from drying out, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the breading.
• Microwave (Not Recommended): While possible for speed, microwaving can make the breading soggy and the chicken tough. If you must use a microwave, heat in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until warm.

Freezer Tips

Mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts can be a great make-ahead meal. Proper freezing ensures optimal quality when you’re ready to enjoy them later:

• For Cooked Chicken: Allow cooked chicken breasts to cool completely. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date. Cooked stuffed chicken can be frozen for 3-4 months.
• For Uncooked Chicken (Prep Ahead): You can prepare and bread the chicken breasts as per the instructions, but do not cook them. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Label with the date. Uncooked stuffed chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. You’ll need to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking as per the recipe.

When ready to eat, defrost frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.

Pair With These Recipes

To complete your meal, consider pairing your Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with these delicious side dishes:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic: The slight bitterness and earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts, enhanced with garlic, offers a perfect counterpoint to the rich chicken and cream sauce.
• Purple Sweet Potatoes: A vibrant and subtly sweet side that adds color and a nutritional boost. Their mild sweetness balances the savory notes of the chicken.
• Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned potatoes provide a comforting and familiar texture, soaking up any extra cream sauce beautifully.
• Air Fryer Green Beans: Quick, easy, and healthy, these crisp-tender green beans offer a fresh, green crunch that complements the meal without being heavy.
• Air Fryer Asparagus: Roasted asparagus brings a delicate, slightly bitter flavor and tender-crisp texture, adding elegance to the plate.
• Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice: A zesty and aromatic rice dish that adds a refreshing, tangy kick, perfect for cutting through the richness of the cream sauce.

More Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you’re looking for more inspiration for delicious chicken dinners, explore these fantastic recipes:

• Cheesecake Factory Chicken Madeira: A rich and flavorful dish inspired by the restaurant classic.
• Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie: A comforting and hearty meal topped with fluffy biscuits.
• Pollo Asado Recipe: Deliciously marinated and grilled chicken for a taste of the Southwest.
• Sweet Chili Chicken Wings: Perfectly crispy wings tossed in a delightful sweet and spicy glaze.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Classic sticky and sweet wings that are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Jerk Chicken Thighs: Spicy and flavorful Caribbean-inspired chicken thighs.
• Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast: Tender and smoky chicken breasts cooked on a pellet grill.
• Dry Rub for Chicken: A versatile seasoning blend to add incredible flavor to any chicken dish.
• Blackened Chicken: Cajun-spiced chicken with a delicious, smoky crust.
• Blackened Chicken Sandwich: A flavorful sandwich featuring blackened chicken.

Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Meat Thermometer
• Cosori Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer? Check out our Air Fryer Accessories List for the best tools!

Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched! The recipe instructions noted here are the property of Stay Snatched and subject to copyright. Please do not screenshot and share this recipe on social.

Join our Air Fryer and Instant Pot Facebook Group: Click here to join our Facebook Group!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Check out our YouTube Channel!

Nutrition Data: Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.