You are about to initiate on a culinary adventure that combines the beloved flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan with a twist of deliciousness. This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan with Mozzarella and Bacon will not only impress your family and friends, but it might also become your go-to dish for special occasions. Let’s examine this delightful recipe!
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil for frying
The first step in this cooking journey is to prepare the chicken breasts. I take each chicken breast and carefully create a pocket by slicing horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through. This is where the magic will happen because you’ll be filling these pockets with savory ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, I combine the shredded Mozzarella, crumbled Bacon, and half of the Parmesan cheese. I also add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste. This mixture is what will fill the chicken breasts and create a heavenly experience.
Next, I start stuffing each chicken breast with the cheese and bacon mixture. It’s important to pack it in well to ensure it doesn’t spill out while cooking. After closing the pocket, I secure it with toothpicks. This step is crucial to keep the stuffing intact during cooking.
Now it’s time to bread the chicken! I set up a dredging station with three bowls: one for the beaten egg, one for the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and the last bowl is where I can mix the remaining Parmesan cheese with a bit of salt and pepper. I coat each stuffed chicken breast in egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
In a large skillet, I heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, I add the breaded chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. After that, I place them in a baking dish.
Now comes the finishing touch! I pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken and sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. I then bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
Once done, I remove the chicken from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve it hot. This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is best paired with a side of pasta or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy your culinary accomplishment and the delightful flavors of this tasty dish!
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