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

Scale

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

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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.