Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Easy Tomato Sauce
- 15 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Breast: Slice each chicken breast horizontally about halfway through to create a pocket for the stuffing, ensuring enough space to hold the cheese without tearing the meat.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine salt, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and garlic powder. Press this seasoning mixture firmly into both the top and bottom surfaces of each chicken breast for full flavor.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully fill the pocket of each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese. If the chicken looks overfilled or likely to open, secure it with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts carefully. Sauté for 4 minutes or until the bottom side turns golden brown, then gently flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
- Make Tomato Sauce: While browning the chicken, in a medium bowl mix canned crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the tomato sauce base.
- Simmer Chicken with Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour the tomato sauce around the chicken breasts in the skillet, avoiding pouring directly on top to retain the crust. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked and no pink remains. Chicken internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve hot and enjoy a cheesy, flavorful stuffed chicken with comforting tomato sauce.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To prevent the cheese from leaking, secure chicken breasts with toothpicks if overstuffed.
- Olive oil or avocado oil can be used interchangeably for sautéing.
- Leftover tomato sauce can be saved and used as a base for pasta dishes.
- For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
