Cheesy Italian Stuffed Chicken Parmigiana
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this Cheesy Italian Stuffed Chicken Parmigiana. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken breasts filled with a delightful mixture of ricotta, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses, along with an aromatic blend of Italian herbs. Baked to golden perfection and topped with savory marinara sauce, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you're hosting a special dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is as tasty as it is easy to prepare. Perfectly paired with pasta or a fresh salad, it's a delicious way to bring a taste of Italy to your table. Note that the leftover cheese filling makes a wonderful addition to manicotti or can be saved for future use. Enjoy this delightful meal with loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (trimmed of all fat)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 cups
egg white
1
ricotta cheese
1 (15-16 ounce) container
Kraft Romano cheese
1 (3 ounce) can
Kraft Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (may use any brand)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
pasta sauce (marinara style)
1 (12 ounce) jar
butter or margarine
1/4 cup
Crisco or shortening
1/4 cup
fresh grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (optional)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Stuffed Chicken Parmigiana?
It is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with a blend of three cheeses and herbs, breaded, baked, and topped with marinara sauce.
What ingredients make up the cheese filling?
The filling is made from a mixture of ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
Can I use any brand of Parmesan cheese?
Yes, the recipe notes that you may use any brand of Parmesan cheese for the filling.
What type of chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for six boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts before stuffing?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed of all fat before you begin the stuffing and breading process.
Which herbs provide the aromatic blend in the filling?
The aromatic blend consists of dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best for this dish?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended to provide the best flavor for the chicken coating.
Why is an egg white included in the ingredients?
The egg white is used to help the breading adhere to the chicken or as a binder for the cheese mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What is the role of Crisco or shortening in this recipe?
Shortening is used alongside butter to help the chicken achieve a golden, crispy exterior during the cooking process.
What kind of sauce goes on top of the chicken?
A marinara-style pasta sauce is used to top the baked chicken breasts.
What can I do with leftover cheese filling?
Leftover filling makes a wonderful addition to manicotti or can be saved for future use in other Italian dishes.
Is fresh Parmesan used in this recipe?
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese is listed as an optional ingredient to be added to taste before serving.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe require?
This recipe is designed for six boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the recipe is described as impressive enough for hosting a special dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
What side dishes pair well with this stuffed chicken?
This dish is perfectly paired with various types of pasta or a fresh green salad.
How is the chicken cooked?
The chicken is baked to golden perfection.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is described as a simple and easy way to bring a taste of Italy to your table.
Can I substitute the Romano cheese?
While Kraft Romano is suggested, you can use any similar hard Italian cheese if needed.
What makes the chicken tender?
The moisture from the ricotta stuffing and the baking process helps keep the chicken breasts tender.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried thyme.
What size jar of pasta sauce is needed?
You will need one 12-ounce jar of marinara-style pasta sauce.
Is the chicken breaded?
Yes, the chicken is coated in two cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies butter or margarine; salted or unsalted can be used depending on your preference.
Does the recipe include fat trimming?
Yes, the preparation specifically instructs trimming all fat from the chicken breasts.
Is the ricotta cheese specific to a certain brand?
The recipe calls for one 15-16 ounce container of ricotta cheese without specifying a brand.
How much Parmesan is needed for the filling?
The filling requires one and a half cups of Parmesan cheese.
How much dried basil is included?
The herb blend includes one half teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as comfort food and a heartwarming dish.
Can the filling be saved for later?
Yes, the recipe notes that any extra filling can be saved for future use.