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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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! 😋