Easy Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

If you are searching for a delicious and surprisingly simple meal to impress your family or guests, this Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender chicken breasts with the bright sweetness of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavor Combination: The mix of roasted red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella creates a rich and satisfying taste that never gets boring.
  • Simple Yet Elegant: Despite looking fancy, the recipe is straightforward, perfect for beginner and seasoned cooks alike.
  • Balanced Nutrition: Protein-packed chicken paired with nutrient-rich spinach and vitamin-packed peppers make it a wholesome meal.
  • Perfectly Moist Chicken: Stuffing the chicken keeps it juicy and tender throughout cooking.
  • Customizable Dish: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe uses simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to enhance the dish’s flavor, texture, and vibrant appearance.

  • Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Use jarred or homemade roasted peppers to add sweet, smoky notes.
  • Fresh Spinach: Provides a lovely mild earthiness and a pop of green vibrance.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella adds creamy richness and the perfect gooey pull.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, bringing all flavors together.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and roasting, it adds smoothness and helps achieve golden chicken.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all natural flavors.
  • Italian Herbs: A blend like oregano or basil adds a Mediterranean flair to the dish.

Variations for Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up according to what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Feel free to get creative and tailor the stuffed chicken to your liking!

  • Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with provolone, feta, or goat cheese for different flavors and textures.
  • Vegetable Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or kale for an extra veggie boost.
  • Spice It Up: Include crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat and smoky aroma.
  • Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free but double-check the ingredients on roasted peppers and spices.
  • Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aroma when infused during cooking.
Easy Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by carefully slicing a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold your delicious stuffing and keep all the flavors sealed inside during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Sauté fresh spinach with minced garlic in olive oil just until wilted, then mix in chopped roasted red peppers and shredded mozzarella. This creates a warm, flavorful filling that melts beautifully inside the chicken.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Spoon the filling generously into the chicken pockets, then secure each with toothpicks to keep the stuffing intact while cooking.

Step 4: Season and Brown

Sprinkle Italian herbs, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the stuffed breasts on both sides until golden brown for a delicious crust and flavor boost.

Step 5: Bake Until Juicy and Cooked Through

Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, juicy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

  • Use a Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken pockets easily and safely, a sharp knife is essential.
  • Don’t Overstuff: Keep the filling moderate to avoid the chicken tearing or spilling during cooking.
  • Secure with Toothpicks: Always use toothpicks to secure the stuffing and remove them before serving.
  • Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking so juices redistribute evenly.

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley sprinkled on top give a fresh herbal pop and brighten up the presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair this stuffed chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a plate to showcase the colorful filling for an inviting and elegant display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving moisture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked stuffed chicken by wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm throughout to maintain juiciness, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before sautéing to prevent a soggy filling.

Is it okay to substitute mozzarella with another cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella’s meltiness is ideal, but cheeses like provolone or even cheddar can create tasty alternatives.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Stuffing helps keep the chicken moist, but also avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature and letting the chicken rest after baking.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check that your spices and roasted peppers don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours or even a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a fail-proof Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe in your culinary arsenal, it’s time to dive in and enjoy its wonderful layers of flavor and texture. This dish proves that impressive, restaurant-quality meals can be made easily at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Gather your ingredients, try out the recipe, and watch it quickly become a household favorite!

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Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a deliciously simple yet elegant meal featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, garlic, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, this dish delivers a vibrant blend of flavors and textures ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or blend)
  • Olive oil, for searing and roasting (about 2 tablespoons)

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (jarred or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through to create a space for the stuffing.
  2. Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach and minced garlic in olive oil until the spinach just wilts. Remove from heat and combine with chopped roasted red peppers and shredded mozzarella cheese to form the filling.
  3. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the openings using toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
  4. Season and Brown: Sprinkle Italian herbs, salt, and pepper over the stuffed chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear each chicken breast on both sides until a golden brown crust forms.
  5. Bake Until Juicy and Cooked Through: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife to easily and safely create pockets in the chicken breasts.
  • Do not overstuff the chicken to prevent tearing or filling spillage.
  • Secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks and remember to remove them before serving.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to let juices redistribute for optimal moisture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: stuffed chicken, roasted red pepper chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, mozzarella chicken, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken

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