After a long day, I got home tired but wanted to make a great dinner. The kids were bouncing off the walls, and my partner wanted a calm night. So, I chose to make a lasagna stuffed chicken breast recipe. It was supposed to be tasty and simple to make.
I started with big chicken breasts, then layered ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella inside. The kitchen filled with the smell of tomato sauce and fresh basil. It was going to be a cheesy chicken lasagna that would wow my family.
I didn’t know how easy it would be. I put the chicken in the oven at 400ºF. In 30 to 45 minutes, we’d enjoy our new favorite dish. Let’s explore why this recipe is a must-try for home cooks.
Introduction to Lasagna Stuffed Chicken
Lasagna stuffed chicken is a mix of Italian flavors and chicken. It’s a low-carb twist on chicken lasagna. Instead of pasta, it uses chicken, making it a guilt-free dish.
Imagine eating tender chicken filled with cheese, marinara sauce, and spinach. It has about 62 grams of protein per serving. It’s quick to make, ready in 50 minutes, and serves 6 people. Plus, it’s only 5 points on Weight Watchers.
This recipe is fun because you can change the filling. It keeps the lasagna taste but adds a new twist. It’s a meal that looks and tastes great.
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken lasagna recipe is special. It has ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. These add lots of flavor and keep the chicken moist.
The cheese makes it rich and tasty. When baked, the chicken gets crispy. This makes the cheese inside melt beautifully.
This dish feels fancy but is easy to make. It’s a gourmet stuffed chicken breast that’s not hard to prepare.
The recipe uses four chicken breasts, each 6-8 ounces. It also has farmer cheese and Italian cheese blend. Marinara sauce keeps it moist.
Cooking at 400°F (204°C) makes the chicken crispy outside and juicy inside. This is a key part of the dish’s success.
Each serving has 344 calories, 48g of protein, and 6g of carbs. It’s quick to make, ready in 50 minutes. It’s great for weeknights or family meals.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 (6-8 oz each) |
| Farmer Cheese | 1 cup (220 g) |
| Shredded Italian Cheese Blend | 1 cup (88 g) + extra for topping |
| Tomato Marinara Sauce | 1/2 cup (121 g) + more for topping |
| Ricotta Cheese | 15 oz |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup (grated) |
Adding ground beef, sausage, or prosciutto makes it even better. You can also use gluten-free ingredients. This recipe is a hit with families everywhere.
Lasagna Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
I’m excited to share my recipe for Italian stuffed chicken breast. It’s filled with the delicious flavors of a classic lasagna. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Each serving of this creative chicken breast recipe has about 476 calories. It also has around 55 grams of protein. This dish serves four people, making it great for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. The average prep time is about 15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy this delightful meal in no time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to tailor the flavors or cater to dietary needs, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different sauces like alfredo or pesto to switch up the taste.
- Try adding spinach or other vegetables to the stuffing for a nutritious twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a lasagna stuffed chicken breast bake is fun. Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps get a crispy outside and a juicy inside.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for flavor. Taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Then, slice your chicken breasts in half but not all the way. Stuff each half with the cheese mix. Press it in gently to keep it inside.
Put marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed chicken on top. Add more marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
Now, bake the chicken. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake for 10 more minutes until it’s done.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This makes it juicy. Enjoy your tasty lasagna stuffed chicken!
Perfect Pairings and Sides
When I serve lasagna stuffed chicken breast, I pick sides that make the meal better. A simple green salad is great, adding a fresh taste. It’s a nice contrast to the savory chicken lasagna.
Garlic buttered zoodles are another good choice. They’re light and healthy, letting the lasagna’s flavors shine. Steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the dish’s creaminess.
Here’s a look at these sides and their benefits:
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Green Salad | Fresh, Crisp | Low in calories, high in fiber |
| Garlic Buttered Zoodles | Garlicky, Slightly Sweet | Low-carb, gluten-free |
| Steamed Broccoli | Earthy, Slightly Bitter | Rich in vitamins, mineral content |
Choosing the right sides can make your meal better. It lets the easy chicken lasagna be the star. Plus, it adds nutrition. Enjoy making a plate that impresses everyone!
Customizing Your Stuffed Chicken
Customizing your cheesy lasagna stuffed chicken can make it amazing. The fillings and sauces are key to the flavor. Tweaking these can make your dish special.
Cheese Variations
There are many cheese options for the filling:
- Use cream cheese for a rich, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the marinara.
- Incorporate mascarpone cheese for a slightly sweeter and velvety experience.
- Add some goat cheese for a tangy kick that complements the other flavors well.
- Experiment with a blend of different cheeses like provolone and cheddar to mix things up.
Alternative Sauces
The sauce is also key. Here are some ideas:
- A creamy sauce made with heavy cream can add an indulgent touch to your gourmet stuffed chicken breast.
- Pesto sauce provides a fresh and herbaceous lift, perfect for a springtime meal.
- Try a white wine sauce for a sophisticated flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Incorporate a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a bit of heat without sacrificing the lasagna-inspired taste.
Feel free to add sautéed veggies or spices to your filling. With these options, making cheesy lasagna stuffed chicken is fun. You can make it your own.
Cooking Tips for Juicy Stuffed Chicken
When you make a flavorful stuffed chicken breast, it’s key to keep it juicy and tender. Here are some tips to make your cooking better for easy stuffed chicken breast.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the juices spread, making each bite juicy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Don’t overfill the chicken. Too much filling can cause uneven cooking or bursting, making it less juicy.
- Optimal Cooking Time: Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F. But, check your oven as it might be different.
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken adds flavor and moisture. Use olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a tasty marinade.
By following these tips, your dish will taste great and show how easy stuffed chicken breast is to make. Enjoy it every time you make it.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 333 cal |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 122 mg |
| Sodium | 969 mg |
| Potassium | 769 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 2177 IU |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Calcium | 188 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Serving Suggestions
I love to make my lasagna stuffed chicken breast look good. Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley makes it taste better too. A bit of extra cheese on top makes it look even more tempting.
It’s great with garlic bread or a fresh salad. This way, every bite is full of flavor. It’s a meal that everyone will love.
Meal Prep Ideas
This recipe is great for meal prep. I can make several chicken breasts ahead of time. Then, I just bake them when I need a quick dinner.
This saves time and keeps the meal tasty. It’s perfect for busy nights.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this recipe can be stored well. I cool the chicken and put it in a container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days.
To reheat, just put it in the oven or microwave. This way, I can enjoy it all week.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Reheating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Oven or Microwave |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw in fridge, then reheat in oven |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna stuffed chicken breast recipe is a hit. It’s like classic lasagna but better for your carb count. It’s a tasty, filling dish that lets you enjoy creamy, cheesy flavors without the carbs.
It’s easy to make, too. Just 25 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. It’s perfect for any night or a big event.
This recipe is also super flexible. I like to use keto pizza sauce instead of marinara. It tastes great and fits my low-carb diet. Each serving has 65 grams of protein and only 6 net carbs.
It’s also important to cook it at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the chicken is always cooked just right.
The flavors and ease of this recipe are unbeatable. It’s great for family dinners or when you have guests over. I highly recommend trying it out. It will make your dinner table shine!
