Chicken Stuffed Eggplant Recipe

I love this eggplant recipe because it’s a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food in a healthy, flavorful package—plus, who doesn’t love something that’s Instagram-worthy and delicious? The combination of cheesy goodness, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken stuffed into eggplant shells makes it a go-to dish that satisfies my taste buds and my soul.

I adore making meals that burst with flavor, and my Chicken Stuffed Eggplant does just that. It combines ground chicken with the savory goodness of garlic, oregano, and basil.

Stuffed into tender eggplants and topped with both Parmesan and mozzarella, this dish is not only super satisfying—it’s a good-for-you dinner rich in protein and totally balanced.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch thick shells. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set it aside.

3.

4. As the eggplants bake, a large skillet containing the remaining tablespoon of olive oil heats over medium heat. In that skillet, the chopped onion cooks until it reaches translucency.

5.

6. Incorporate the chopped eggplant flesh, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for 5 minutes so that it can come together well.

7.

8. Take the skillet off the heat and mix the grated Parmesan cheese into the dish, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout.

9. Evenly spoon the chicken mixture into the eggplant shells and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

10. Place the stuffed eggplants back in the oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Before serving, garnish them with chopped parsley.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Knife
5. Spoon
6. Cutting board
7. Skillet
8. Spatula
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken?Ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a flavor profile different from that of beef.
• What is the best way to prepare the eggplants?Half the eggplants lengthwise, dig some of the flesh out, and give them a good covering of olive oil before they go into the oven.
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?Indeed, it is possible to prepare and cook the stuffing ahead of time. You can stuff the eggplants and keep them in the refrigerator for as long as a day before you want to serve them.
• Can I freeze leftovers?You can freeze leftover portions in an airtight container for as long as three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, heat the portions thoroughly before serving.
• What can I serve with chicken stuffed eggplants?A simple side salad, crusty bread, or a light pasta dish makes a good pairing with this main dish.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?Indeed, ground chicken can be swapped out for a plant-based meat alternative or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils without compromising the integrity of the stuffing.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken that has been finely chopped: Use turkey that has been finely chopped or finely chopped beef for a different taste.
If you are looking for an alternative to olive oil, try using avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Parmesan cheese. Use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano instead.
Parsley: Cilantro or fresh basil can be used for a different herbal note.
Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese: Alternate for mozzarella cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Salting Eggplants Before scooping out the eggplant flesh, sprinkle a little salt on the cut sides of the eggplant halves and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help draw out some of the bitterness and ensure a better texture. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel afterwards.

2. Even Cooking To ensure even cooking of the eggplant shells, brush the insides lightly with a bit of olive oil before baking. This will help them soften nicely in the oven and enhance their flavor.

3. Enhance Flavor with Deglazing After cooking the onions and before adding the ground chicken, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or chicken broth. This will add another layer of flavor to the filling.

4. Avoid a Watery Filling To prevent the filling from becoming too watery, drain the chopped tomatoes slightly before adding them to the skillet. Remove excess liquid from the tomatoes by pressing them through a sieve.

5. Cheese Layering Technique For a more flavorful crust, mix a little dried oregano or Italian seasoning with the mozzarella cheese before topping the stuffed eggplants. This will add extra aroma and a pleasing, cheesy crust.