When it comes to comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance of cozy and elegant quite like stuffed chicken. These mozzarella-stuffed chicken thighs are golden on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside, and served with a rich garlic lemon cream sauce that takes things to the next level.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or planning a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of gooey mozzarella, savory chicken, and a bright, garlicky cream sauce makes this recipe worthy of any table.
Drawing from your love for cheesy, savory recipes (like the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells, and Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Breakfast Enchiladas), this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Cheesy Surprise Inside: Melted mozzarella adds an indulgent, gooey core.
- Juicy and Crispy: Skin-on thighs ensure flavor-packed bites.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cook and finish everything in one oven-safe skillet.
- Elegant Yet Easy: Simple enough for home cooks, impressive enough for guests.
- Flavor-Focused: Garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs round out the dish beautifully.
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- Tongs (for handling chicken)
- Small bowl (for mixing seasonings)
- Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)
- Knife and cutting board (for garlic, parsley, chives)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon (for sauce)
- Oven mitts (for safe skillet handling)
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- 6 mozzarella cheese sticks or 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped chives optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Gently lift the chicken thigh skin and stuff each with a mozzarella stick.
- Season thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half of the chopped parsley.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken, skin-side down, until golden brown (4–5 minutes), then flip and cook another 3 minutes.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melty. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until slightly thickened, 4–5 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with remaining parsley and chives.
What you will need + Smart Substitutions
- 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
Tip: Ask your butcher for skin-on boneless thighs or debone at home. - 6 mozzarella cheese sticks or 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
Substitution: Use provolone or fontina for variation. - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Substitution: Use cilantro, basil, or dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste Substitution: Use sea salt or a salt-free seasoning blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Substitution: Use regular paprika, chili powder, or cumin.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh) Substitution: Use lime juice or white vinegar.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Substitution: Use 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 tsp shallot, minced.
- 3 tbsp butter Substitution: Use vegan butter, olive oil, or ghee.
- 1 cup heavy cream
Lighten up: Use half-and-half or a mix of cream and chicken broth,o or coconut milk, or cashew cream for vegan - ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest Substitution: Use lime zest, orange zest, or omit.
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped chives (optional) Substitution: Use green onions, dill, or omit.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Substitution: Use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips
Step 1: Prep and Stuff the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gently lift the skin of each chicken thigh and tuck in a mozzarella stick or a spoonful of shredded cheese.
Stuffing Tip: Don’t overfill—just enough cheese to melt and stay sealed inside.
Tip: Press the skin firmly to seal the cheese.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half of the chopped parsley. Rub seasonings into the skin and under it for full flavor.
Tip: Pat chicken dry with paper towels for a crispier sear
Step 3: Sear to Perfection
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown (4–5 minutes). Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Don’t move the chicken while searing. Letting it sit develops that crispy, golden crust.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or is fully cooked and the mozzarella is melted inside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Sauce Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the pan—they’re flavor gold!
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the thighs and garnish with remaining parsley and optional chives. Serve hot.
Tip: Serve immediately for the creamiest sauce.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Spinach & Cheese Stuffed: Add sautéed spinach to the cheese before stuffing.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Layer chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the mozzarella.
- Herb-Butter Boost: Mix herbs into the cheese stuffing for more aroma.
- Bacon-Wrapped Option: Wrap thighs in bacon for extra crispness and flavor.
- Creamy Mustard Sauce: Add a tablespoon of Dijon to the sauce for tang.
Topping Suggestions
- Extra Lemon Zest: Bright and citrusy for extra zing.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy kick for heat lovers.
- Grated Parmesan: Nutty and savory sprinkle.
- Sliced Green Onions: Fresh and mild for color.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Crunchy and rich for texture.
- Microgreens: Elegant and fresh for presentation.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Note: Values may vary based on cheese type and cream used.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth.
Meal Prep Tip: Make the sauce fresh for the best flavor when reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Chicken Thighs → Chicken Breasts: Leaner protein option.
- Mozzarella → Provolone: Different cheesy texture.
- Heavy Cream → Coconut Milk: Dairy-free creamy sauce.
- Lemon Juice → Lime Juice: Similar tangy flavor.
- Parsley → Cilantro: Fresh herb alternative.
What to Serve With Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Polenta: For a hearty base.
- Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus: For a fresh, green side.
- Simple Side Salad: With lemon vinaigrette to echo the sauce.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: To soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
- Lemon Drop Drink: Cool, zesty, slightly sweet, and entirely refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Pound them thin and stuff, then fold and secure with toothpicks.
Will the mozzarella leak out?
Some might melt out—that’s okay! It mixes deliciously into the sauce.
Can I make stuffed chicken thighs ahead of time?
Yes. Stuff and season the chicken ahead, then sear and bake fresh. Sauce can be made in advance too.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe internal temperature.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Secure the skin tightly over the mozzarella and avoid overstuffing. Sear skin-side down first to seal.
These stuffed chicken thighs with garlic lemon cream sauce are more than a dinner—they’re an experience. They bring together comfort and elegance in a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a celebration.
Try them tonight and bring bold, cheesy flavor to your table. If you give it a go, tag me @recipesgenerators on Facebook and let me see your delicious results!
