The Art of Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Perfection

Butterflying and Pounding

Master the technique of flattening chicken breasts to uniform thickness, which is essential for even cooking and creating a large enough surface to wrap around the cheese filling without tearing.

Strategic Cheese Placement

Learn to position the mozzarella in the exact center with proper border spacing, ensuring the cheese stays contained during rolling and doesn't leak out during the high-heat cooking process.

Three-Stage Breading Method

Perfect the classic flour-egg-breadcrumb coating technique that creates an impenetrable crispy shell, with each layer serving a specific purpose in building texture and sealing in moisture.

Temperature-Controlled Shallow Frying

Develop the skill of maintaining consistent oil temperature for shallow pan-frying, which produces a golden exterior that's crispy rather than greasy while cooking the chicken through completely.

Proper Resting and Draining

Understand the importance of resting fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels, which allows air circulation underneath to maintain the coating's crunch while excess oil drips away.

Secrets to Crispy Coating and Perfect Cheese Pull

Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness throughout to ensure even cooking and easier rolling around the cheese filling without tearing the meat.

Cheese Selection: Use whole milk fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese for optimal melting and stretching qualities, and cut it into thick rectangles rather than thin slices.

Sealing Technique: After rolling the chicken around the cheese, secure with toothpicks if needed, though proper tucking and a tight roll usually holds the filling inside during breading and cooking.

Temperature Control: Maintain oil temperature between 340-360°F throughout cooking; if oil gets too hot the coating burns before chicken cooks through, if too cool the breading absorbs excess oil.

Make-Ahead Method: Bread the chicken cutlets up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate uncovered, which actually improves the coating's adhesion and creates an even crispier crust when cooked.

Avoiding Cheese Leaks: Press the edges of the chicken very firmly to seal and avoid overfilling with cheese; if you see any openings after rolling, seal them with a tiny pinch of chicken or patch with extra flour-egg-breadcrumb.

Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Golden Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Italian Herbs and Stretchy Cheese Center

Name: Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Golden Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Italian Herbs and Stretchy Cheese Center
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Chicken Preparation:; 6 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 8 ounces each; 1 pound fresh whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 6 thick rectangular pieces; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Breading Station:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs, beaten; 3 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional; For Cooking:; 1 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh basil leaves for garnish; For Special Equipment:; Meat mallet or rolling pin; Three shallow bowls or pie plates for breading station; Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan; Meat thermometer; Wire cooling rack

The ultimate crispy mozzarella-stuffed chicken cutlets featuring tender chicken breast, fresh mozzarella cheese, and golden panko breadcrumbs. This Italian-inspired dish combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly breaded coating with the indulgent stretch of melted mozzarella, creating an unforgettable comfort food experience that elevates the classic breaded chicken to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of crispy texture and gooey cheese.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken Preparation:

6 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 8 ounces each

1 pound fresh whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 6 thick rectangular pieces

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Breading Station:

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 large eggs, beaten

3 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

For Cooking:

1 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For Special Equipment:

Meat mallet or rolling pin

Three shallow bowls or pie plates for breading station

Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan

Meat thermometer

Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Prepare the chicken by placing each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with meat mallet to an even 1/4-inch thickness, creating a uniform surface for stuffing.

Season both sides of each flattened chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, distributing the spices evenly across the surface.

Place one piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each chicken breast, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.

Carefully fold the chicken breast over the cheese, tucking in the sides and rolling tightly to create a secure packet, then press the edges firmly to seal.

Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: first bowl with flour, second bowl with beaten eggs, third bowl with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, paprika, and cayenne if using.

Coat each stuffed chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs allowing excess to drip off, finally press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides.

Place breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack and refrigerate uncovered for 15 minutes to help the coating adhere better during cooking.

Heat vegetable oil and olive oil in large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F on a thermometer or shimmers when pan is tilted.

Carefully place 2-3 breaded chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding, cooking for 5-6 minutes on first side until deep golden brown crust forms.

Flip chicken pieces gently using tongs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on second side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and coating is evenly golden and crispy.

Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil while maintaining crispiness, allowing pieces to rest for 3-4 minutes.

Serve immediately while cheese is still hot and stretchy, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and optionally pairing with marinara sauce for dipping.

Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Golden Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Italian Herbs and Stretchy Cheese Center

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Perfection

Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Golden Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Italian Herbs and Stretchy Cheese Center

Ingredients

Instructions