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Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 18 reviews

This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mix of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella. Pan-seared and baked to perfection with aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic, this dish is a delicious and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Stuffing

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing chicken

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast without slicing through completely, creating space for the stuffing.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  5. Mix Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine roasted red peppers, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, spinach mixture, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  6. Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared stuffing, pressing gently to keep it inside, and secure openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  7. Sear Chicken: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  8. Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is fully cooked.
  9. Finish and Serve: Optionally, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the stuffed chicken before serving to add a tangy flavor boost.

Notes

  • Be careful not to cut through the chicken breasts completely when making the pockets to avoid the stuffing spilling out.
  • Searing the chicken before baking helps to lock in juices and adds a nice golden crust.
  • Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles.
  • Balsamic vinegar is optional but adds a lovely tangy sweetness when drizzled over the cooked chicken.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant flavor instead of dried oregano and basil.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, roasted red pepper, spinach, mozzarella, baked chicken, easy dinner recipe, Italian chicken dish