Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe Juiciest Ever
Tucking vibrant roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella into tender chicken breasts creates a culinary adventure that surprises every bite.
Creamy cheese melts seamlessly between verdant spinach leaves, promising rich flavors with each forkful.
Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers unexpected excitement without complicated techniques.
Home cooks can effortlessly master this elegant dish that looks dramatically more impressive than its simple preparation suggests.
Mediterranean influences shine through the combination of fresh ingredients, making ordinary chicken extraordinary.
Professional chefs and kitchen novices will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.
Trust you’ll fall in love with this delightful recipe that turns standard chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
Stuffed Chicken That’s Packed with Flavor
Ingredients for Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Main Protein:Stuffing Ingredients:Seasoning Group:Cooking Aids:Optional Garnish:How to Make Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Fire Up The Oven
Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Transform The Chicken
Grab a sharp knife and gently butterfly each chicken breast, creating a cozy pocket. Shower the chicken with a flavor explosion of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Create The Flavor Bomb
In a mixing bowl, toss together:Blend until the ingredients become best friends.
Step 4: Stuff With Deliciousness
Carefully fill each chicken pocket with the vibrant mixture. Secure the edges with toothpicks if they’re feeling rebellious and want to escape.
Step 5: Sizzle And Brown
Heat olive oil in a hefty oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drop the stuffed chicken breasts and let them dance until golden brown- about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken hits the magic internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Step 7: Plate And Celebrate
Give the chicken a quick rest for 5 minutes. Pluck out the toothpicks, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with zesty lemon wedges for an extra flavor punch.
Tips for Stuffed Chicken That Stays Juicy
Storing and Reheating Stuffed Chicken with Ease
What to Serve Alongside Stuffed Chicken
Creative Ways to Fill Stuffed Chicken
Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace mozzarella with full-fat cream cheese and swap Parmesan for a stronger aged cheese. Reduce spinach quantity and add extra chopped herbs like basil or thyme for enhanced flavor.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, incorporate roasted artichoke hearts, and replace mozzarella with cashew cheese or almond-based cheese substitute. Season generously with herbs to maintain rich taste profile.
Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add chopped Kalamata olives, include diced sun-dried tomatoes in the stuffing. Sprinkle za’atar seasoning over chicken before baking for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Gluten-Free Health Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add quinoa or almond flour to stabilize stuffing mixture. Select organic chicken breasts and use fresh herbs for additional nutrition and flavor complexity.
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Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, And Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella stuffed chicken brings Italian-inspired flavors to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Each juicy bite delivers a perfect harmony of melted cheese, tender greens, and sweet pepper nestled inside perfectly seasoned chicken breast.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Stuffing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (30 g / 1.06 ounces) fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup (120 g / 4.23 ounces) roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g / 3.53 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g / 0.88 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and preparing a baking surface with light grease or parchment paper.
- Transform chicken breasts using a precise knife technique, creating a horizontal pocket without fully separating the meat. Generously season exterior with a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Craft a vibrant stuffing mixture by thoroughly blending fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Carefully distribute the prepared stuffing into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring even coverage. Strategically secure edges with toothpicks if needed to prevent filling escape.
- Activate flavor development by searing stuffed chicken breasts in a heated, olive oil-coated skillet. Achieve a golden-brown exterior by cooking 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Complete the cooking process by transferring the skillet to the preheated oven or relocating chicken to the prepared baking dish. Roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), ensuring thorough cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly, providing time for juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks, optionally garnish with fresh parsley, and serve alongside zesty lemon wedges for an enhanced culinary experience.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring even stuffing distribution and preventing filling leakage.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior when searing.
- Choose fresh mozzarella for creamier texture, or opt for low-moisture mozzarella if you prefer less moisture in the filling.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free and skip using toothpicks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.