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
Scale
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