High Protein DietHigh Protein RecipeKeto RecipesMeal PlanRecipe

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Updated on 4 min read

Quick Description

This Cheesy Baked Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate high-protein comfort meal. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a flavorful filling, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s hearty, satisfying, and keto-friendly — the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in restaurant-quality food at home.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: ~45 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thick patties)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling

  • 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)
  • ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone for extra meltiness)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan, optional

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Red chili flakes
  • Drizzle of pesto or marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or oven-safe pan.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly chicken breasts (slice horizontally without cutting through). Season with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Make Filling: In a bowl, mix spinach, ricotta/cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning until combined.
  4. Stuff Chicken: Spoon filling into each chicken breast and fold closed. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
  5. Bake Chicken: Place stuffed breasts on baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until nearly cooked through.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Remove chicken, sprinkle mozzarella (and Parmesan) generously on top. Return to oven for 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  7. Serve: Remove toothpicks, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Additional Notes

  • Shortcut Version: Skip stuffing and simply top seasoned chicken breasts with ricotta + mozzarella.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Bake in advance, then reheat under broiler for melty cheese perfection.
  • Make it Saucy: Serve with marinara for Italian vibes or creamy mushroom sauce for richness.

Dietary Info

  • High-Protein
  • Keto / Low-Carb
  • Gluten-Free
  • Family-Friendly

Brief Introduction

Cheese + chicken = happiness. This recipe is proof that eating high-protein and low-carb doesn’t have to mean bland food. You get juicy chicken, a savory cheesy filling, and a molten topping that makes it taste like comfort food.

It’s also versatile: go Italian with marinara, Mediterranean with pesto, or Tex-Mex with salsa and jalapeños.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Narrative Expansion)

  • Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
    Seasoning before baking ensures flavor penetrates all the way through. Paprika adds smokiness, garlic powder builds depth, and olive oil keeps chicken juicy.
  • Step 2: The Filling
    Ricotta (or cottage cheese) adds creaminess + protein, while spinach sneaks in veggies. Parmesan enhances umami flavor.
  • Step 3: Stuffing Technique
    Butterflying helps create a “pocket.” Don’t overfill or the cheese will spill out (though the melty overflow is pretty delicious too).
  • Step 4: Cheese Topping
    Adding cheese toward the end prevents burning but still gives that golden crust.
  • Step 5: Resting
    Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking — juices redistribute, and fillings stay put.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Thighs can be used for juicier, richer flavor.
  • Cheese Filling: Swap ricotta for cream cheese or goat cheese.
  • Topping Cheese: Mozzarella melts best, but cheddar or provolone add stronger flavors.
  • Veggie Additions: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers work great.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  1. Italian Style – Add marinara sauce before topping with mozzarella.
  2. Spinach Artichoke Chicken – Use spinach + artichoke filling.
  3. Tex-Mex Chicken – Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and cheddar.
  4. BBQ Chicken Melt – Top with BBQ sauce + mozzarella.
  5. Breakfast Chicken Bake – Fill with scrambled eggs + cheese.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooked stuffed chicken (before adding cheese topping). Thaw overnight, bake, then top with fresh cheese.
  • Reheat under broiler for best melty cheese.

FAQs

Q1: Can I air fry this instead of baking?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, then add cheese topping and cook 2–3 more minutes.

Q2: What side dishes go best?
Zucchini noodles, roasted broccoli, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh salad.

Q3: Can I make this without stuffing?
Yes — just bake seasoned chicken breasts and smother with ricotta + mozzarella.

Q4: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely — add chili flakes, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.

Optional Personal Story

The first time I made this, I expected it to taste like “diet food.” Instead, it felt like something I’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant — melty, indulgent, and soul-warming. The best part? It was packed with protein and low in carbs, so I didn’t feel guilty about having seconds.

Call-to-Action

If you loved this Cheesy Baked Stuffed Chicken, share it with someone who thinks eating high-protein means boring food. Try a variation — Italian, Tex-Mex, or Spinach-Artichoke — and post your creations online. Comfort food never looked this good!

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