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!
