Name: Breaded Stuffed Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each); 8 slices provolone cheese; 8 slices ham; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup olive oil, for cooking; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Breaded Stuffed Chicken, a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a flavor-packed, satisfying meal, is about to become your new weeknight favorite! Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown breaded exterior, only to discover a juicy, tender chicken breast filled with a savory, melt-in-your-mouth stuffing. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of stuffed chicken are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of stuffing poultry dates back centuries, with variations found across numerous cultures. From the elaborate roasts of medieval Europe to the simpler, home-style versions passed down through generations, stuffing has always been a way to elevate a humble protein into something truly special. This particular breaded stuffed chicken recipe draws inspiration from classic comfort food, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will appeal to even the pickiest eaters.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it's incredibly delicious! The contrast between the crispy breading and the tender chicken, combined with the flavorful stuffing, creates a symphony of sensations in your mouth. Second, it's surprisingly versatile. You can customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, from cheeses and herbs to vegetables and even sausage. Finally, while it looks impressive, it's actually quite easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
8 slices of provolone cheese
8 slices of ham
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil, for cooking
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken:

Alright, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our chicken breasts. This involves a little bit of slicing and pounding, but trust me, it's worth it!

Butterfly the Chicken: Place one chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of the breast, almost all the way through, but leaving one side attached. Open it up like a book. This creates a larger, thinner surface for stuffing. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
Pound the Chicken: Place each butterflied chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This tenderizes the chicken and makes it easier to roll. Be careful not to pound it too thin, or it will tear.
Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning – it's what gives the chicken its flavor!

Stuffing and Rolling:

Now for the fun part – stuffing and rolling! This is where the magic happens, and we transform plain chicken breasts into something truly special.

Layer the Cheese and Ham: On each pounded chicken breast, layer two slices of provolone cheese and two slices of ham. Make sure the cheese and ham are evenly distributed over the surface of the chicken, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.
Roll the Chicken: Starting from one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast, encasing the cheese and ham inside. Secure the roll with toothpicks, if needed. I usually use 2-3 toothpicks per roll to make sure they stay closed.

Breading the Chicken:

Next up, we're going to bread the chicken rolls. This creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that seals in all the delicious flavors.

Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix well to combine.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken roll in the beaten eggs, again making sure to coat it completely. Let any excess egg drip off.
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, dredge the chicken roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Make sure the entire roll is covered in breadcrumbs.

Cooking the Chicken:

Time to cook our breaded stuffed chicken! We're going to pan-fry it for a beautiful golden-brown crust and then finish it in the oven to ensure it's cooked through.

Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken rolls in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Brown on All Sides: Cook the chicken rolls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them gently to ensure even browning.
Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet (or the chicken rolls, if your skillet isn't oven-safe) to the preheated oven.
Bake Until Cooked Through: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken roll.

Serving:

Almost there! Now for the final touches and serving suggestions.

Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls before slicing.
Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken rolls into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the breaded stuffed chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad. It's also delicious with a creamy sauce, such as Alfredo sauce or a simple pan sauce made with white wine and butter.

Tips and Variations:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyere would all be delicious.
Ham Alternatives: Instead of ham, you could use prosciutto, bacon, or even cooked spinach.
Sauce Options: Serve with a variety of sauces, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy mushroom sauce.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freezing: Breaded stuffed chicken can be frozen before cooking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little extra heat.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the breadcrumb mixture, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.

Enjoy!

And there you have it – delicious, breaded stuffed chicken! I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our Breaded Stuffed Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, a culinary adventure that's surprisingly easy to pull off. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their chicken game. The combination of the crispy, golden breading, the juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, and the flavorful, cheesy stuffing is simply irresistible. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the deliciousness, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the stuffing to suit your preferences. Not a fan of mozzarella? Try provolone or pepper jack for a little kick. Want to add some vegetables? Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms would be fantastic additions. The possibilities are endless! Speaking of versatility, let's talk serving suggestions. This Breaded Stuffed Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, try serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. If you're looking for something a little lighter, a fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be perfect. Roasted asparagus or grilled corn on the cob are also excellent choices, especially during the summer months. And don't forget the sauce! While the chicken is delicious on its own, a complementary sauce can really take it to the next level. A simple lemon butter sauce would add a bright, tangy flavor. Or, for something a little richer, try a creamy mushroom sauce or a decadent Alfredo sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, a spicy marinara sauce would provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the chicken and stuffing. Here are a few more variations to consider: * Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor. * Spicy Chicken: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños into the stuffing for a little heat. * Italian-Style Chicken: Use Italian breadcrumbs and add some grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing. * Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even just a satisfying weeknight meal. The key is to follow the instructions carefully and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Now, it's your turn! I encourage you to give this Breaded Stuffed Chicken recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And more importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I'm always eager to see how my recipes turn out in your kitchens and to learn from your culinary adventures. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. So go ahead, get cooking, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can't wait to hear from you!