The aroma of crispy, golden Chicken Parmesan Pillows wafts through the air, teasing your senses with promises of cheesy goodness and savory delight. Parmesan crusted chicken recipe Imagine biting into a tender chicken breast, enveloped in a crunchy coating, all while molten cheese oozes out like a warm hug on a chilly day.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a culinary embrace that brings back memories of family dinners and laughter echoing around the table. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, these pillows will have everyone asking for seconds—just remember to save some for yourself! mini quiches for gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chicken Parmesan Pillows are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- With a flavor profile that balances savory and cheesy goodness, everyone will fall in love at first bite
- Their golden, crispy exterior is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they can be served as an appetizer or a main dish
I still remember the first time I made Chicken Parmesan Pillows. My friends devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to snap a picture! creamy chicken enchiladas.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts depending on how many you’re feeding; they should be fresh and firm.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: These add an extra crunch; look for seasoned varieties for more flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese yields the best taste; who doesn’t love authentic cheesy goodness?
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for that glorious melting effect that stretches with every bite.
- Eggs: You’ll need these for binding; large eggs work best to hold everything together.
- Olive Oil: This brings richness and helps achieve that lovely golden crust; extra virgin is always a great choice.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch adds depth to the flavor profile—don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings enhance all flavors; season generously but not overboard.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps achieve crispiness later.
Create the Stuffing Mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste—mix well until combined. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.
Stuff and Fold Your Pillows: Take each chicken breast and place a generous amount of stuffing in the center. Fold over the chicken like a pillow; if needed, secure with toothpicks.
Bread Your Chicken Pillows: Set up three bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with Italian breadcrumbs mixed with remaining Parmesan cheese, and one empty. Dip each pillow first into the egg mixture then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Cook Until Golden Brown: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place your pillows in the pan and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side works well.
Bake to Perfection!: Transfer your beautifully browned pillows onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbling—trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!
Enjoying these Chicken Parmesan Pillows guarantees smiles around your table. They’re perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home when you want comfort food done right! baked chicken legs recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe.
You Must Know
- Chicken Parmesan Pillows are not only delicious but also simple to make
- The crispy exterior and cheesy center create a comforting dish that will impress your family and friends
- Pair them with marinara sauce for an extra flavorful experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken. Sear the chicken first for flavor, then assemble the pillows before baking them to golden perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional mozzarella for provolone or add some spinach inside your Chicken Parmesan Pillows for a colorful twist. Spice things up with red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy Chicken Parmesan Pillows, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Also, let them rest after baking to enhance flavors
- Lastly, serve with a fresh salad for balance!
Cooking these Chicken Parmesan Pillows takes me back to cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over the last piece!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough for Chicken Parmesan Pillows?
Yes, store-bought dough can save time and still taste great in this recipe.
What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Parmesan Pillows?
Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch or garlic aioli also works wonderfully!
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Pillows before cooking?
Absolutely! Freezing them before cooking helps maintain their freshness and flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Pillows
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Parmesan Pillows are a delightful fusion of crispy chicken and gooey cheese, making them perfect for any occasion. Each bite reveals a tender chicken breast enveloped in a crunchy coating, with molten mozzarella and Parmesan that simply melts in your mouth. Whether for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, these pillows will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a bowl, mix mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture and fold securely, using toothpicks if needed.
- Set up three bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumbs mixed with remaining Parmesan, and one empty. Dip each stuffed chicken in egg then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each pillow until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Parmesan Pillow (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
