Garlic-crumbed cheese stuffed chicken- delicious 1 hour dinner
This easy garlicky stuffed chicken breast recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for when you want something comforting yet a little bit special. Each tender chicken breast hides a delicious surprise inside — a rich, savoury filling of creamy, crumbled cheese infused with garlic and packed with flavour. As it cooks, the taleggio cheese melts into gooey, irresistible pockets of deliciousness, oozing out with every bite and creating a luxurious contrast to the juicy, golden-browned chicken on the outside.
The best part? This impressive dish is surprisingly simple and quick to make. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The cooking time ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your cooking method, meaning you can have two generous, restaurant-quality servings of this garlic and cheese-stuffed chicken ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Whether served with buttery mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables, this dish delivers bold flavour, creamy texture, and comforting warmth — all with minimal fuss. It's the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and date-night dinners alike.
Two chicken breasts with the skin cut off
150g/5½oz of taleggio cheese, sliced into strips; 75g/2½z of butter; and 20g/¾oz of freshly chopped parsley
Three rashers of smoky streaky bacon, two cloves of coarsely chopped garlic, and two handfuls of breadcrumbs
Three tablespoons of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F / Gas Mark 4), allowing it to reach a steady temperature so the chicken can cook evenly. While the oven heats, take the chicken breasts and make four diagonal cuts (score them) across the top of each breast. These should be shallow slashes — just deep enough to penetrate the flesh but stopping about 2 cm (¾ in) above the bottom, so you’re not cutting right through. Scoring helps the flavors and any stuffing or seasoning seep in, lets heat penetrate more evenly, and gives you a prettier, more appetizing finished dish.
Finely chop the parsley: wash and dry the parsley, strip off any thick lower stems, then gather the leaves into a small pile. Using a sharp knife, use a rocking motion to mince them until they’re very fine. Cut the Taleggio cheese into strips—long enough to fit snugly into the scored gaps in the chicken, but not so thick that the chicken breast won’t close or cook through evenly. Roll each strip of Taleggio in the chopped parsley, pressing lightly so the herb sticks to the cheese. Then stuff the cheese into the diagonal scored slits in the chicken breasts, pushing it down into each gap so it melts into the meat as it cooks.
In a spacious frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy and begins to bubble gently. Add the chopped garlic and bacon to the pan, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Allow the mixture to cook for approximately three minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the garlic is fragrant and golden. Be cautious not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter. This step infuses the butter with rich, savory flavors, creating a delectable base for your dish.
Add the breadcrumbs to the pan, stirring gently to combine them with the garlic and bacon mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the breadcrumbs toast evenly and absorb the rich flavors from the bacon and garlic. The breadcrumbs should become golden brown and slightly crispy, creating a delightful texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish. Be mindful not to let them burn; if necessary, adjust the heat slightly and keep stirring to achieve the perfect crunch without overcooking.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a golden, crispy exterior during cooking. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. For added depth, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Let the seasoned chicken rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before cooking. This simple yet effective seasoning method enhances the natural taste of the chicken, creating a flavorful base for your dish.
Evenly scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the prepared chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Gently press down on the breadcrumbs with your fingers or the back of a spoon to help them adhere to the chicken, creating a uniform coating. This step not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a delightful crunch once baked. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a small amount of melted butter or olive oil over the breadcrumbs before baking to achieve a golden, crispy finish. Bake for half an hour in the oven.