Description
Mediterranean-inspired savory stuffed chicken delivers a mouthwatering fusion of roasted red peppers, spinach, and melted mozzarella. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine for an elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 150 g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 g (1 cup) red peppers, roasted, sliced
- 100 g (3 cups) spinach, fresh
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Prepare Stuffing: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds, then add spinach and wilt until vibrant green. Allow mixture to cool slightly.
- Butterfly Chicken: Create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to slice completely through the meat.
- Stuff and Secure: Layer roasted red peppers inside the chicken pocket, add sautéed spinach, and top with mozzarella. Seal the pocket using toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Season Exterior: Brush chicken with olive oil and generously coat with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear and Roast: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken until golden, then transfer to a preheated 200C oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74C.
- Rest and Serve: Remove toothpicks, let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then plate with fresh herbs and accompanying side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
Notes
- Slice Carefully: Create a precise pocket in chicken breasts without cutting through, ensuring a perfect filling cavity for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Prevent Cheese Leakage: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine strategically to seal the stuffed chicken, stopping melted mozzarella from escaping during cooking.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 74°C internally, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
- Resting Period: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, enabling juices to redistribute and creating more tender, flavorful meat that doesn’t dry out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg