If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without hours in the kitchen, these Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce are your answer. Juicy chicken thighs are packed with creamy mozzarella, pan-seared to golden perfection, and baked in a silky garlic lemon cream sauce that’s rich, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavor.

This recipe is ideal for date nights, family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent yet approachable. With just 15 minutes of prep and a one-pan method, it’s practical enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for company.

Why This Chicken Recipe Works

• 🧀 Mozzarella Inside: Melty cheese in the center of each bite? Yes, please.

• 🍋 Bright, Creamy Sauce: Garlic, lemon, and cream make a luxurious yet fresh pan sauce.

• ⏲️ One Skillet = Less Mess: Everything cooks in one oven-safe pan.

• 💯 Impressive but Simple: Minimal ingredients, big payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible stuffed chicken thighs:

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 6 mozzarella cheese sticks (or 6 oz fresh mozzarella cut into thick strips)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Make sure you’ve got the following on hand:

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Paper towels

• Mixing bowl (optional for seasoning)

• Toothpicks or kitchen twine

• Large oven-safe skillet

• Tongs or spatula

• Instant-read thermometer (for perfectly cooked chicken)

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Stuff and Roll

Lay each thigh flat on a cutting board. Place a mozzarella stick in the center, then roll the chicken tightly around the cheese. Use toothpicks to secure each roll so the cheese doesn’t escape during cooking.

Pro Tip: Use kitchen twine if you don’t have toothpicks. Just be sure to remove before serving!

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and sear for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step builds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the butter, then add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth and scrape up all those golden bits from the pan bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Optional: For an extra creamy sauce, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan at this step.

Step 5: Bake to Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over each roll. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each piece for maximum impact.

Serving Suggestions

These mozzarella-stuffed chicken thighs pair beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

• Roasted or steamed vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans)

• Butter noodles or a light pasta with olive oil

• Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Drink Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creaminess and citrus notes in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Choose thighs of similar size for even cooking.

• Don’t overstuff – mozzarella expands slightly when heated.

• Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid in the skillet.

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Can You Make This Ahead?

Absolutely! You can assemble and refrigerate the stuffed chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Simply sear and bake when ready.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap each chicken roll tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat

Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or cream to prevent drying out, or microwave in 30-second bursts.

Recipe Variations

Swap the Cheese:

• Try provolone, fontina, or smoked gouda for a twist.

• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan inside for even more flavor.

Add Greens:

• Insert a few baby spinach leaves with the mozzarella for added nutrition.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra punch.

Spice It Up:

• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cayenne into the seasoning mix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but butterfly them first to create a flat surface for rolling. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

What’s the best mozzarella to use?

Low-moisture mozzarella sticks work great and reduce the chance of cheese leakage. If using fresh mozzarella, cut into firm sticks and pat dry.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will change.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Use a combination of whole milk and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Greek yogurt or half-and-half can also work.

Let’s Get Cooking!

These Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce are comfort food elevated—with gooey cheese, zesty citrus, and a creamy, garlicky finish. They’re bound to be a new favorite at your table.

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Let’s cook something delicious tonight! 🍗🧄🍋