Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and juicy Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts filled with sautéed roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, garlic, and creamy mozzarella cheese. This dish is seared to a golden brown and then baked to perfection for a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
Filling
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers (sliced into strips)
- 1–1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and carefully cut a horizontal slit into each breast, about two-thirds through, to create a pocket. Season both sides and inside the pocket with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes until they achieve a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare Filling: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced roasted red peppers and fresh baby spinach over medium-high heat until the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mixture to a small bowl to cool slightly.
- Stuff Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet off the heat. Carefully fill each pocket with one slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and a portion of the roasted red pepper and spinach mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the openings and prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet with the stuffed chicken breasts into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and take out the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve: Plate the stuffed chicken breasts and enjoy a delightful dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Jarred roasted red peppers add sweetness and smoky flavor, but you can roast your own if preferred.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for melting and flavor; avoid pre-shredded mozzarella.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- To make preparation easier, use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken, roasted red pepper chicken, spinach mozzarella chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipes