If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, comforting dinner that combines vibrant colors with irresistible taste, this Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chicken breasts generously filled with a luscious mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. This dish perfectly balances savory, fresh, and cheesy elements, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal, yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, impressing family and friends alike with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe, and thankfully, everything is straightforward and easy to find. Each ingredient plays an important role: from the juicy chicken breasts that serve as the perfect vessel, to the vibrant roasted red pepper and spinach that bring color and freshness, and finally, the creamy mozzarella that melts beautifully and ties all the flavors together.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, perfect for stuffing and quick to cook through.
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (chopped): Adds a sweet smokiness and bright red color that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Provides a healthy touch and a fresh, slightly earthy note.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into a gooey, cheesy filling that makes every bite comforting.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the stuffing with aromatic depth and a bit of spice.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the filling moist and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full flavors of each ingredient.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the filling to melt and mingle. Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated. This filling bursts with freshness and richness, and mixing it thoroughly ensures every spoonful inside the chicken is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Create the Chicken Pockets
Take each chicken breast and butterfly it by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates a pocket perfect for stuffing. If you find the breasts a bit thick, you can gently pound them to even out the thickness for easier rolling and cooking.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the filling mixture generously into each chicken pocket. Be sure not to overstuff so you can seal the chicken properly. If needed, secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during baking — no one wants a leak of that deliciousness!
Step 5: Arrange and Season
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top and sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors further. This step gives the chicken a golden, slightly crispy finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The mozzarella will be melting inside, mingling deliciously with the spinach and red peppers while the outside chicken turns beautifully cooked.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the stuffed chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy when you cut into it.
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor that complements the rich filling. You might also drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the savory chicken beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a light side to complement its richness. Consider serving with garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Rice pilaf or a warm couscous would also soak up any lovely juices from the chicken for a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed chicken on the diagonal to showcase the colorful filling. Serve it on a platter with fresh lemon wedges alongside for a zesty kick. For a fun twist, place the sliced chicken over a bed of pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs, turning it into a pasta bowl glammed up with stuffed chicken perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some chicken for later, this recipe freezes well. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stuffed chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short increments, checking frequently to maintain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of roasted red peppers?
While fresh red peppers can work, roasting them imparts a smoky sweetness that really elevates the dish. If you can’t find jarred roasted peppers, you can roast fresh ones yourself under the broiler or on a grill before chopping.
Is it necessary to use mozzarella cheese? Can I substitute it?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly, but feel free to substitute with provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar if you prefer a different cheese profile.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Butterflying the chicken and not overbaking are key. Also, letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain its juices. Make sure to check the internal temperature carefully to avoid drying it out.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients as is, making it suitable for gluten-free diets. Just double-check your seasoning and any pre-packed ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula are great alternatives. Just be sure to chop them finely and sauté briefly if using tougher greens like kale to soften them before stuffing.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe is such a delightful blend of flavors and textures that it easily becomes a go-to favorite for good reason. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that feels special without any fuss. Dive in, enjoy the process, and delight in every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Print
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this meal offers a delightful combination of textures and colors, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Stuffing
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped roasted red peppers, roughly chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Butterfly Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for the stuffing without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the prepared filling mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle additional olive oil over the top and sprinkle more salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pounding them slightly can help if needed.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or low-moisture mozzarella for less water release during baking.
- To add more flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with Italian herbs or paprika before stuffing.
- Remove toothpicks carefully after resting the chicken to avoid injury while eating.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
