Decadent Four Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Transform your dinner table with these Decadent Four Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts! This recipe combines the creamy richness of ricotta, the meltiness of mozzarella, the tang from provolone, and the sharpness of parmesan, all nestled in succulent chicken breasts. Ideal for gatherings or a special family night, this dish is not just a feast for the stomach but also a delight for the eyes. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ricotta cheese
2/3 cup (Soft and creamy, ready to mix.)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded; mild and melty.)
Shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded; flavorful and stretchy.)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated; sharp and nutty.)
Snipped parsley
1/4 cup (Fresh, washed, and chopped.)
Fine dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (For added texture.)
Whole chicken breasts
3 breasts (about 3 lbs.) (Bone-in, skin-on.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted; for brushing.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, snipped parsley, and fine dry breadcrumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4
Carefully debone each chicken breast, ensuring that the skin remains intact. Slice each breast in half horizontally, creating a pocket, but do not cut all the way through.
5
Gently separate the skin from the flesh of each breast while keeping one side attached, creating enough space to fill with cheese.
6
Spoon the cheese mixture into the pocket between the skin and the breast meat, evenly distributing the filling among the breasts.
7
Tuck the skin edges back under the chicken breasts to seal the filling inside and secure with wooden picks to prevent leakage.
8
Place the stuffed chicken breasts skin-side up in a shallow baking dish. Brush generously with melted butter to ensure a crispy skin.
9
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices for added flavor and moisture.
10
Once cooked through and golden brown, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Four Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe?
This recipe features succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden perfection.
Which four cheeses are used in this recipe?
The four cheeses used are ricotta, shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the chicken?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken breasts should be baked uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 whole chicken breasts, which should weigh approximately 3 lbs total.
What preparation is needed for the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be bone-in and skin-on. You will need to rinse them, pat them dry, and carefully debone them while keeping the skin intact.
How is the cheese stuffing prepared?
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, snipped parsley, and fine dry breadcrumbs until well incorporated.
How do I create a pocket for the stuffing?
Slice each breast in half horizontally without cutting all the way through, and gently separate the skin from the flesh to create space for the filling.
Where does the cheese mixture go inside the chicken?
The cheese mixture is spooned into the pocket created between the skin and the breast meat.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Tuck the skin edges back under the chicken breasts and secure them with wooden picks to seal the filling inside.
What should I brush on the chicken before baking?
Brush the skin-side up chicken breasts generously with melted butter to help ensure a crispy, golden skin.
What is the purpose of basting the chicken?
Basting the chicken with pan juices during the baking process adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or a medley of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Are breadcrumbs used in the cheese filling?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of fine dry breadcrumbs are added to the cheese mixture to provide better texture.
Can I use fresh parsley?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of snipped parsley, which should be fresh, washed, and chopped for the best flavor.
What type of baking dish should be used?
A shallow baking dish is ideal for placing the stuffed chicken breasts skin-side up.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, parsley, breadcrumbs, chicken breasts, and butter.
Can I make this recipe for a dinner party?
Absolutely, this dish is described as being ideal for gatherings or special family nights because it is both delicious and visually appealing.
What does the ricotta add to the dish?
The ricotta provides a creamy richness that forms the base of the decadent four-cheese stuffing.
Is the chicken skin removed or kept on?
The skin is kept on to hold the stuffing in place and to provide a crispy texture when brushed with butter and baked.
What flavor does provolone bring to the stuffing?
Provolone adds a distinct tang and a stretchy, melty quality to the cheese blend.
Can I substitute any of the cheeses?
While the four specific cheeses create the intended flavor profile, you can swap them for similar melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Asiago if needed.
How do I ensure the chicken isn't dry?
The combination of the cheese stuffing, the skin-on preparation, and occasional basting with pan juices helps keep the chicken succulent.
Is the parmesan cheese grated or shredded?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese to provide a sharp and nutty flavor.
What is the primary protein in this dish?
The primary protein is chicken breast, providing a hearty base for the cheesy filling.
Does the chicken need to be covered in the oven?
No, the chicken should be baked uncovered to allow the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
How should I clean the chicken before cooking?
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels before starting the deboning process.
Why is melted butter used?
Melted butter is brushed over the chicken to promote browning and create a rich, crispy skin during the baking process.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.