Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken breast and watching melted mozzarella and savory prosciutto ooze out, creating a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen. This Prosciutto and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken isn't just a meal—it's an experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic journey. With professional chef-level techniques and simple ingredients, you'll create a dish so impressive, your family and guests will think you've trained in an Italian kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast. To do this, cut horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- Take two slices of prosciutto and layer them inside each chicken breast pocket. Make sure to spread them out evenly to cover the inside.
- Next, add about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into each chicken breast pocket on top of the prosciutto. This will melt beautifully during cooking.
- Once the chicken breasts are stuffed, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the pockets. This will help keep the filling inside while cooking. Alternatively, you can tie them with kitchen twine.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
- Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and a nice crust to the chicken.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is baking, you can prepare a simple side salad or vegetable to serve alongside the dish.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Before serving, remove the toothpicks or twine from the chicken. Slice each stuffed chicken breast in half to reveal the delicious filling inside.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your Prosciutto and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken!
Tips
- Use a sharp knife and steady hand when creating the chicken breast pocket to ensure even stuffing and prevent tearing.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Don't skip the searing step—it locks in flavor and creates a delicious crispy exterior.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- If you don't have kitchen twine, toothpicks work perfectly to secure the stuffed chicken pockets.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary inside the pocket with the cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
