Here’s an even more detailed version of your Stuffed Chicken with Mozzarella, Salami, and Pepperoni recipe, including more precise instructions and tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!


Stuffed Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella, Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, and Marinara

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
  • 8 slices fresh mozzarella (or more if desired, about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 8 slices Genoa salami (thinly sliced)
  • 8 slices pepperoni (thin or regular cut)
  • 4 slices hard salami (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (either homemade or store-bought, about 1/4 cup per chicken breast)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or any favorite shredded cheese blend for topping)
  • 8-10 slices pepperoni (for topping, optional)
  • Olive oil (for searing and brushing the chicken)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
  • Butterfly the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, creating a pocket but leaving the edges intact.
  • Be careful not to slice all the way through—just enough to create a pocket that will hold the fillings.
  • Season the chicken: Rub each chicken breast, inside and out, with a generous pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your personal preferences. If you love garlic, add a bit more garlic powder!
3. Assemble the Stuffing:
  • Layer the stuffing inside each chicken breast:
  • First, place 2 slices of fresh mozzarella into the pocket.
  • Next, layer 2-3 slices of Genoa salami and 2 slices of pepperoni on top of the mozzarella.
  • Optional: Add a slice of hard salami for extra flavor or substitute with another deli meat of your choice like prosciutto or ham.
  • If you love cheese, you can add an extra slice of mozzarella on top to make it even cheesier!
  • Close the chicken: Carefully fold the chicken breast over the filling and secure with toothpicks to keep everything in place while it bakes.
4. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Adds Flavor):
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet.
  • Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful texture, but it’s optional if you’re in a hurry.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
  • Once the chicken is seared (or directly if you skipped the searing), spoon marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast, about 1/4 cup per breast, ensuring the sauce covers the top evenly.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese blend over the sauce.
  • Top with pepperoni slices (optional) for an extra layer of flavor and crispiness.
6. Bake the Chicken:
  • Place the skillet (or baking dish) in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), which you can check with a meat thermometer.
  • The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni slices (if added) should be crispy.
  • If you want an extra golden, bubbly top, you can switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Rest and Serve:
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving.
  • Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with extra marinara sauce on the side, along with your favorite sides like pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success:

  1. Choose the Right Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully but can release some water as it bakes. If you want a firmer, less watery result, try using a low-moisture mozzarella block.
  2. Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the chicken for a kick of heat, or use spicy pepperoni for an extra layer of flavor.
  3. Serve with a Side: This stuffed chicken pairs perfectly with garlic bread, pasta (like spaghetti or penne), or even a light side salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
  4. Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty.

This detailed version of your stuffed chicken recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, combining savory deli meats, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce for an irresistible dish! Enjoy! 😋

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