Short Description
Stuffed breaded chicken is a crispy, golden-brown dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful stuffing and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. This easy and impressive meal is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or special occasions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, juicy inside – The perfect combination of crunch and tenderness.
- Endless filling options – Customize with cheese, spinach, ham, or mushrooms.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Restaurant-quality at home – Looks fancy but is easy to prepare.
- Kid-friendly – A delicious way to elevate chicken for the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (for color)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for crispiness)
For the Filling (Choose One or Mix and Match):
- Mozzarella cheese and spinach
- Cream cheese, garlic, and herbs
- Ham and Swiss cheese (Cordon Bleu style)
- Sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese
- Mushrooms and cheddar
For the Breading:
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs (beaten)
- Breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
Directions

- Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken – Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing through the middle, but not all the way through. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Stuff the chicken – Fill each breast with your chosen stuffing and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bread the chicken – Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Bake or pan-fry:
- Oven: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Pan-fry + Bake: Sear in a pan with olive oil for 3 minutes per side, then bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy – Let rest for 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, and slice before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling.
- Extra crispy – Double-coat in breadcrumbs and use panko for maximum crunch.
- Low-carb option – Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-free version – Skip cheese and use sautéed veggies or a dairy-free spread.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, stuffed chicken for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Pound them flat and roll them up with the filling inside.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks or tuck the edges tightly before breading.
Can I air fry this?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed chicken and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Mozzarella, Swiss, cream cheese, or goat cheese work well.
Can I make a sauce for this?
Yes! Serve with marinara, garlic butter, or a creamy mustard sauce.
Do I have to use breadcrumbs?
No, you can use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or almond flour.
How do I get an extra crispy crust?
Use panko breadcrumbs and spray lightly with oil before baking.
Conclusion
Stuffed breaded chicken is a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Whether you go with a cheesy, meaty, or veggie-filled option, this dish is sure to impress. Try it tonight for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintStuffed Breaded Chicken
This Stuffed Breaded Chicken features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a delicious filling of cheese, spinach, and garlic, then coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs. It’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or Swiss/Gruyère)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped (or cooked and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix mozzarella, cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture, securing with toothpicks if needed.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a third.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the flour, then the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Sear & Bake
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove toothpicks (if used), let rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot!
Notes
- Make It Extra Crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Different Fillings: Try ham & Swiss, mushroom & goat cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes & feta.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.