Introduction
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality chicken dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast deserves a spot at the top of your recipe list. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with creamy melted mozzarella, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of Italian seasoning for a meal that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
The best part? It looks elegant enough for date night or holiday dinners but is simple enough for a busy weeknight. The gooey cheese filling keeps the chicken moist while the sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs and garlic.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
Stuffing
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Finishing
- 1 tablespoon butter
Fresh basil leaves
Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Recommended Brands
For consistent flavor and quality, consider:
- Boneless chicken breasts – Bell & Evans or Springer Mountain Farms
- Fresh mozzarella – BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella
- Sun-dried tomatoes – California Sun Dry or Alessi
- Parmesan cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano
- Olive oil – California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Italian seasoning – McCormick Italian Seasoning
- Paprika – Simply Organic Paprika
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Prepare everything before cooking.
You’ll need:
- Large cutting board
Sharp chef’s knife
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Large oven-safe skillet
Tongs
Silicone spatula
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil
Baking dish (optional)
Paper towels
Preparation Steps (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat each chicken breast dry using paper towels.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Avoid cutting all the way through.
Step 2: Season
Mix together:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides and inside each chicken pocket.
Set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl combine:
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Basil
- Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
Mix well.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Place 2 slices of mozzarella inside each chicken pocket.
Top with several spoonfuls of the tomato mixture.
Seal with toothpicks if necessary.
Avoid overfilling.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to:
375°F (190°C)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken breasts.
Cook:
- 3–4 minutes on one side
- Flip carefully
- Cook another 3 minutes
You want a golden crust.
Step 2: Add Butter
Add butter to the pan.
Spoon the melted butter over each chicken for about one minute.
This adds incredible flavor.
Step 3: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Bake for:
18–22 minutes
or until the internal temperature reaches:
165°F (74°C)
using a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Rest
Remove from oven.
Cover loosely with foil.
Rest for 5–10 minutes.
This keeps the juices inside.
Step 5: Garnish
Sprinkle with:
- Parmesan
- Fresh basil
- Chopped parsley
Serve immediately.
Secret Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
✔ Don’t slice completely through the chicken.
✔ Pat chicken dry before seasoning.
✔ Use fresh mozzarella for the best cheese pull.
✔ Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well so the filling isn’t watery.
✔ Let the chicken rest before slicing.
✔ Always cook by temperature, not just time.
✔ A cast-iron skillet creates an amazing golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Parmesan roasted baby potatoes
- Buttered green beans
- Roasted asparagus
- Caesar salad
- Garlic butter broccoli
- Creamy risotto
- Lemon herb rice
- Garlic bread
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs
- Fresh Caprese salad
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh basil ribbons
- Extra Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
- Lemon wedges
Additional Tips & Variations
Add Spinach
Mix fresh spinach into the stuffing for extra nutrition.
Make It Creamier
Add:
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta
- Goat cheese
to the filling.
Add Crunch
Mix toasted pine nuts into the stuffing.
Smoky Version
Add chopped cooked bacon.
Extra Italian Flavor
Include chopped roasted red peppers.
Keto Friendly
Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Low Carb
Skip potatoes and serve with roasted vegetables.
Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.
Meal Prep
Prepare and stuff the chicken one day ahead.
Refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Protein | 49 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Potassium | 780 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Stuff and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked stuffed chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
What cheese works besides mozzarella?
Try:
- Provolone
- Fontina
- Monterey Jack
- Gouda
- Havarti
Can I cook it in an air fryer?
Yes.
Cook at 375°F for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do I know it’s fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Can I use chicken thighs?
Boneless chicken thighs can be stuffed and rolled, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it is naturally gluten-free. Always check packaged ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed.
Wrap-Up
Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken filled with creamy mozzarella and tangy sun-dried tomatoes delivers bold Italian-inspired flavor without requiring complicated techniques. It’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Here’s a fun culinary fact: Sun-dried tomatoes became especially popular in Italian-American cooking because drying tomatoes naturally concentrates their sweetness and umami flavor, giving dishes an intense tomato taste without adding extra moisture. Paired with fresh mozzarella, they create one of Italy’s most beloved flavor combinations—making this stuffed chicken both comforting and irresistibly delicious.
