Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese, then seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Butterfly the Chicken:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by cutting it horizontally, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Open the chicken breasts like a book.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
- Add the Filling:
- Lay the sliced roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly inside each butterflied chicken breast.
- Secure the Filling:
- Fold the top half of each chicken breast over the filling. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if necessary.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Mix the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chicken:
- Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Olive Oil:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts and slice each one in half to reveal the beautiful filling. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful and elegant dish with your favorite sides.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken Breasts: Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded.
- Searing: Searing the chicken before baking helps to lock in the juices and adds a nice golden color.
Variations
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Chicken
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Substitute the roasted red peppers with 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and add a few fresh basil leaves to the filling.
Artichoke and Feta Stuffed Chicken
- Use Artichokes and Feta:
- Substitute the roasted red peppers with 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts and use crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
Pesto Stuffed Chicken
- Add Pesto:
- Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce inside each butterflied chicken breast before adding the spinach and mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
- With Vegetables:
- Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- With Salad:
- Pair with a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad for a light and healthy meal.
Beverages
- With Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match.
- With Sparkling Water:
- Serve with a chilled glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to the point of searing, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Sear and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed chicken breasts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before searing and baking.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach? A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the filling.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as provolone, Swiss, or feta.
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy chicken breasts, savory filling, and delicious seasonings, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this stuffed chicken is easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty meal with your family and friends!