Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe

Chicken is a versatile and healthy protein that can take on an array of flavors. From grilled to baked to stuffed, it’s easy to see why chicken is a staple in many cuisines. One of the most exciting ways to enjoy chicken is by stuffing it with flavorful ingredients that create a savory explosion of taste in every bite.

This Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella recipe takes the classic chicken breast and elevates it with a mouthwatering stuffing of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella. Baked until golden and juicy, the stuffed chicken provides a perfect balance of tender chicken, savory cheese, and aromatic vegetables. It’s a great option for a healthy dinner or to impress guests at a dinner party.

In this guide, we will explore the dish in detail, covering ingredients, preparation techniques, and tips to ensure you make the most out of this recipe. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create a flavorful stuffed chicken that everyone will love.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

The first step in creating this savory stuffed chicken is to prepare the chicken breasts.

1. Trim the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken breasts. You want to make sure they are clean and free from any tough bits. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Create the Pocket for Stuffing: Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a horizontal incision along the side of each breast, creating a pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through—leave a little bit of space on the sides and bottom so the stuffing doesn’t fall out during cooking.

3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (like garlic powder or paprika). This adds flavor to the chicken before it’s stuffed.

4. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. This step is optional but helps develop flavor. You will be baking the chicken later, so don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point.

5. Set Aside: Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly. You can also use this time to prepare the stuffing mixture.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

The stuffing is what makes this chicken truly flavorful. It combines savory roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
   • Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

2. Add the Roasted Red Peppers:

   • If using jarred roasted red peppers, drain them well and chop them into small pieces. If using freshly roasted red peppers, peel and chop them after roasting.
   • Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the pan with the spinach. Stir to combine. Let it cook together for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Mix in the Cheeses:

   • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). This will create a creamy, melty filling for your stuffed chicken.
   • You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of dried herbs (basil or oregano) for additional flavor depth.

4. Stuff the Chicken: Once the filling is ready, use a spoon to carefully stuff each chicken breast. You can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the opening and secure the stuffing inside, ensuring none of it falls out during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

To add a bit of crunch and flavor to the chicken, you can bread the outside lightly. Here’s how:

1. Set Up a Breading Station: In one bowl, add the flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version). In a second bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs or pork rind crumbs and Italian seasoning.

2. Coat the Chicken: Take each stuffed chicken breast and dip it into the flour (or almond flour), then the beaten egg, and finally the breadcrumbs (or pork rind crumbs). Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring the chicken cooks through without becoming too dry.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter. Arrange the stuffed and coated chicken breasts in the dish, making sure they are spaced out a little to ensure even cooking.

3. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The cheese will be melted and bubbly, and the chicken will be golden brown on top.

4. Optional – Make a Sauce: If you want to elevate this dish further, you can make a simple sauce to drizzle over the chicken once it’s done baking. In a small saucepan, add chicken broth or white wine and bring it to a simmer. Stir in butter and fresh lemon juice to create a light sauce. Drizzle over the chicken just before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your stuffed chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure that the juices settle inside.

You can serve the stuffed chicken with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
• A crisp salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
• A light pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a more indulgent side dish.

Tips for Perfecting Savory Stuffed Chicken:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The success of this dish depends on the quality of the chicken, cheese, and vegetables. Fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese will result in a much more flavorful filling.

2. Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: While you want plenty of filling, avoid overstuffing the chicken breast, as this can cause it to burst open during cooking.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that the chicken remains moist.

5. Make-ahead Option: This recipe can be made ahead. Prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the stuffed and unbaked chicken for up to 2 months and bake it directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations:

1. Add Bacon: For extra flavor, consider adding crispy crumbled bacon to the stuffing mixture. It adds a smoky, savory element that complements the chicken and vegetables.

2. Use Different Cheeses: Instead of mozzarella, try goat cheese, ricotta, or even fontina cheese. Each will add its own unique texture and flavor to the stuffing.

3. Substitute the Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of spinach, try substituting it with arugula, kale, or Swiss chard. You can also add mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

4. Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great option. They stay tender and juicy and work just as well with the stuffing.

Conclusion:

This Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal. With its savory stuffing, melty cheese, and golden crust, it’s a perfect dish for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The combination of lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich cheese ensures that each bite is satisfying. With customizable variations and the ability to make it ahead of time, this recipe can fit any schedule or dietary preference. Whether you’re on a low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo diet, this dish has something for everyone to enjoy.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to make this delicious stuffed chicken!

Yield: 4

Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe

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Chicken is a versatile and healthy protein that can take on an array of flavors. From grilled to baked to stuffed, it’s easy to see why chicken is a staple in many cuisines. One of the most exciting ways to enjoy chicken is by stuffing it with flavorful ingredients that create a savory explosion of taste in every bite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, both inside and outside the pocket.
   
3. Prepare the Stuffing:
   In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   
4. Stuff the Chicken:
   Stuff each chicken breast with a generous portion of the spinach mixture, followed by slices of roasted red peppers and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside.
   
5. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
   
6. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside has melted.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for extra flavor and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

• Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Stuffing Variations: You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the stuffing for additional Mediterranean flavors.
• No Toothpicks? You can use kitchen twine to tie the chicken if you don't have toothpicks.