This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is a beautifully balanced dish, featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy mozzarella and pesto, then simmered in a rich, herby tomato sauce. The combination of gooey cheese, fresh basil, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates an irresistible harmony of flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this one-pan recipe is both easy and elegant. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon pesto, divided
- 2 oz mozzarella (4 slices fresh or ¼ cup shredded)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Black cracked pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ⅓ cup white wine
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- Fresh basil, torn
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay chicken breasts flat and tenderize them to even thickness. Cut a pocket into each breast without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spread ½ tablespoon of pesto inside each pocket. Place mozzarella inside and push it toward the back. Secure with toothpicks.
- Season the Chicken: Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden. Cover with a lid after flipping. Remove from pan.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté garlic and shallots for 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they blister. Stir and add white wine to deglaze.
- Simmer the Sauce: Once most of the wine evaporates, stir in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, nestle it in the sauce, and spoon some sauce over the top. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve Immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 487 kcal | Servings: 2
What Makes This Dish Special?
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is more than just another chicken dish it’s a harmony of textures and flavors. Let’s break down what makes it truly special:
1. Creamy and Gooey Mozzarella Filling
One of the highlights of this dish is the melted mozzarella inside the chicken. When you cut into the tender chicken breast, you’ll see gooey, stringy cheese combined with herbaceous pesto, creating a rich and creamy bite every time. The contrast between the crisp, seared exterior of the chicken and the soft, melted mozzarella inside is what makes this dish irresistible.
2. A Perfectly Balanced Tomato Sauce
The Pomodoro sauce in this recipe is light yet flavorful, thanks to the use of fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and white wine. The tomatoes blister and soften as they cook, releasing their natural sweetness into the sauce. The white wine adds depth, while the chicken broth brings a subtle richness. Fresh basil and oregano give the dish its signature Italian aroma and taste.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Unlike traditional stuffed chicken recipes that require baking or multiple steps, this version is made entirely in one skillet. The chicken is first seared to golden perfection, then simmered in the tomato sauce to finish cooking, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
4. A Versatile and Customizable Dish
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is easy to modify based on personal preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a kick of heat.
- Use different cheeses – Try provolone, fontina, or burrata for a unique twist.
- Add more veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can add extra nutrition.
- Swap out the pesto – Use sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a different flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and easy cooking.
✔️ It’s a One-Pan Meal
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires only one pan for both the chicken and the sauce. This means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
✔️ It’s Packed with Protein
Each serving of Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is high in protein, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet. The combination of lean chicken and creamy mozzarella keeps you full and satisfied.
✔️ It’s Family-Friendly
The flavors in this dish are mild yet delicious, making it a great option for kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy filling and slightly sweet tomato sauce.
✔️ It’s Elegant Enough for Entertaining
While this dish is easy to make, it looks and tastes impressive enough for guests. Serve it at a dinner party, date night, or holiday gathering, and your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro
To complete your meal, consider pairing the Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro with classic Italian side dishes. Here are some great options:
1. Pasta or Risotto
A light pasta, such as angel hair or linguine, tossed in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan, makes an excellent pairing. If you want a heartier side, a creamy risotto would also complement the dish beautifully.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can be roasted with olive oil and garlic for a simple yet delicious side.
3. Garlic Bread or Focaccia
A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
4. Fresh Salad
A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro
To achieve restaurant-quality results, follow these expert tips:
1. Don’t Overstuff the Chicken
While it’s tempting to add extra mozzarella, overstuffing the chicken can cause the cheese to ooze out during cooking. Keep the cheese toward the back of the pocket and secure it with toothpicks.
2. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
A good sear helps lock in the juices and gives the chicken a nice golden crust. Don’t skip this step!
3. Deglaze the Pan with White Wine
Adding white wine to the tomato sauce lifts all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan, enhancing the depth of flavor.
4. Use Fresh Basil for the Best Flavor
Dried basil is great, but fresh basil takes this dish to another level. Add it at the end of cooking to keep its vibrant flavor.
Conclusion:
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is a dish that delivers on flavor, simplicity, and elegance. With tender chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, and a bright tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a special dinner, this dish is an effortless way to impress. With one-pan convenience, customizable ingredients, and classic Italian flavors, Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation.