Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Pillows: Comfort Food Bliss

The aroma of Chicken Parmesan Pillows wafts through the air, creating a tantalizing allure that makes your stomach rumble in anticipation. Imagine biting into a crispy exterior that gives way to tender chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy nights in or lively dinner parties.

Growing up, my family had a special tradition of gathering around the table every Sunday for “Italian night,” where we’d indulge in comforting dishes like lasagna and chicken parmesan. Little did I know then that these Chicken Parmesan Pillows would become the star of many future gatherings, delighting friends and family alike with their irresistible flavors.

I still remember the first time I made these Chicken Parmesan Pillows for my friends; their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many guests you’re serving.

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Use high-quality cheese for that melty goodness; fresh is best!

• Marinara Sauce: A good jarred sauce will save time; look for one with quality ingredients.

• Italian Seasoning: This adds depth; you can also mix your own with herbs like basil and oregano.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide extra crunch; I swear by them for the ultimate crispy coating.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated enhances flavor and pairs beautifully with mozzarella.

• Eggs: To help bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.

• Olive Oil: Essential for frying; it adds flavor and helps achieve that golden brown color.

For the Sauce:

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds a delightful aroma; fresh garlic works well too if you prefer.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; don’t skip these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pillows

Prep Your Kitchen Space: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally but not all the way through – think of them as little booklets waiting to be filled! Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Create the Filling: In a bowl, combine mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Feel free to add extra spices or herbs according to your taste preferences. This is where creativity shines!

Stuff the Chicken: Open each chicken breast slightly and spoon in the cheesy filling carefully. You want enough filling but not so much that it spills out everywhere – nobody likes a messy kitchen!

Bread Those Pillows: Set up three bowls: one with flour (for dusting), another with beaten eggs (for binding), and lastly one filled with panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan. Dip each stuffed chicken first in flour, then egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

Fry Until Golden: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken pillow until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side should do it. You’re looking for that glorious crispy exterior!

Bake to Perfection: Once fried, transfer your pillows onto the lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and bubbly inside—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Enjoy serving these delightful Chicken Parmesan Pillows hot from the oven! They pair perfectly with pasta or a simple salad for balance.

Each bite bursts with flavor while giving you that satisfying crunch—truly an experience worth savoring!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping the chicken: pound it thin, season well, and coat in breadcrumbs. While it fries, prepare the marinara sauce and pasta simultaneously for a seamless dinner.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian spin. Add extra herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs for a customized flavor explosion.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring crispiness is maintained.

It was my sister’s birthday when I first made Chicken Parmesan Pillows. The look on her face as she took that first bite was priceless; she declared them “life-changing,” and they’ve been a family favorite ever since.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Using frozen chicken isn’t ideal; always thaw them thoroughly beforehand for even cooking.

What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Pillows?

These pillows go wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.

How do I make these pillows healthier?

Try baking instead of frying and use whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber without sacrificing flavor.

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Chicken Parmesan Pillows

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken Parmesan Pillows are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining crispy chicken with gooey mozzarella and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or lively gatherings, these delectable stuffed chicken breasts are sure to impress with their irresistible flavors and satisfying crunch. Serve them hot from the oven alongside pasta or a fresh salad for a meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a bowl, mix mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce; add any desired spices.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture carefully.
5. Set up three bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Dip each stuffed chicken in flour, then egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; fry each pillow until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying/Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Chicken Parmesan Pillow (150g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg