Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella
Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, and gooey mozzarella, then baked to perfection. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 150 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- 100 g (1 cup) roasted red peppers, sliced
- 100 g (3 cups) fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Open each chicken breast pocket and layer with roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place.
- Season the Chicken:
- Brush the outside of each chicken breast with the remaining olive oil.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if needed.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Serve:
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, alongside a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a green salad.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For added flavor, include a few slices of sun-dried tomatoes in the filling.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.