If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, tender but juicy, and irresistibly cheesy, you’ve just found it with this Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe. Imagine succulent chicken breasts filled with sweet roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella all baked to perfection — it’s a meal that’s as elegant as it is comforting. This recipe brings together vibrant colors, textures that melt in your mouth, and a bouquet of herbs and spices that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or entertaining friends, this dish truly shines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tender chicken breasts to the bright, slightly sweet roasted red peppers, to the creamy mozzarella that pulls everything together.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas to hold all those delicious fillings.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped: Adds a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Brings a fresh, earthy balance to the dish.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps create a golden, crispy sear on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a touch of Italian flair.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough bite to enhance the other spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Fresh, aromatic, and brightens the mixture.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty crust finish and richness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Provides a subtly tangy glaze for depth and sheen.
How to Make Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Then, carefully slice each boneless, skinless chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through — this little trick creates the ideal chamber to hold your flavorful stuffing. It’s important to be gentle here to keep the chicken intact but create enough space for all that goodness inside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts to keep them moist and help seasonings stick. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt evenly over each side. This seasoning layer will complement the stuffing beautifully, bringing a herby, savory base that ties the entire dish together.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing
In a small bowl, toss together the chopped roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil. The sweet peppers balance the fresh spinach’s slightly bitter notes, while the mozzarella offers a gooey, creamy binding texture that’s nothing short of heavenly once cooked inside the chicken.
Step 4: Stuff and Secure the Chicken
Gently fill each chicken breast pocket with the pepper-spinach-mozzarella mixture, then carefully fold the chicken back over the filling. Use toothpicks to secure the edges and keep everything sealed during cooking—this ensures that every bite remains perfectly packed with flavor.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in, searing each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you see a golden crust forming. This step locks in moisture and adds beautiful color and flavor before the chicken goes into the oven.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Drizzle balsamic vinegar evenly over the chicken to add a gentle tang that enhances the savory stuffing. Then, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, which will melt to form a deliciously crispy, cheesy crust during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking — this helps all the juices redistribute, making each bite wonderfully juicy and tender. Finally, carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
How to Serve Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that complements the rich, cheesy filling perfectly. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the plated chicken can also add a glossy, gourmet finish that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
Side Dishes
This Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery balance, or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the flavors of the chicken’s juices. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also provide a satisfying, complementary texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the stuffed chicken breasts on a bias to reveal the colorful filling and arrange them overlapping on the platter. Garnish with basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For casual meals, serve whole with sides plated around for a laid-back but impressive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed chicken before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed. This step is a lifesaver for meal prep or when you want to have a delicious, homemade dinner waiting for you.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stuffed chicken in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through to preserve juiciness and texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken from drying out and to maintain the delightful crispness of the outer layer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of roasted for this recipe?
While fresh red peppers could work, roasting them adds sweetness and a smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor of this Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe. If you’re short on time, you can use jarred roasted peppers for convenience.
Is it possible to prepare this dish without cheese?
The mozzarella and Parmesan play a big role in the flavor and texture, but you could make a cheese-free version using extra roasted red peppers and spinach for the filling. Adding fresh herbs will help enhance the dish’s savory profile in place of the cheese.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic flavor, but dried basil or oregano can be used as a substitute. Just remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s juicy, tender, and safe to eat, avoiding any risk of undercooking.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it relies on simple fresh ingredients. Just double-check any packaged items like roasted peppers or balsamic vinegar to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe at home that brings a sense of celebration to any meal. It’s a fantastic dish that combines fresh ingredients with comforting cheese and herbs, resulting in a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. If you’re looking to impress friends, enjoy a family dinner, or simply treat yourself to a deliciously fulfilling meal, this recipe is worth every minute you spend making it. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
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Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Savory Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, seared to golden perfection, then baked with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a delightful and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing in skillet)
Stuffing
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Create Chicken Pocket: Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface and gently slice them horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through, ready to hold the stuffing.
- Oil the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts to help seasoning stick and promote searing.
- Season Chicken: Evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to infuse flavor.
- Prepare Stuffing Mixture: In a small bowl, combine chopped roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil to create the filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared mixture, folding the chicken over to enclose the stuffing completely.
- Secure the Filling: Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts, ensuring the stuffing remains inside during cooking.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil to prepare for searing.
- Sear Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown to lock in juices and start cooking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top for added flavor.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the chicken for a savory crust during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove the toothpicks from each chicken breast before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite side dish and enjoy a delicious, savory meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is sliced carefully to avoid cutting all the way through, creating a secure pocket for stuffing.
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor, especially fresh spinach and basil.
- To prevent the stuffing from falling out, securely fasten the chicken with toothpicks before searing.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it moist and tender.
- Pair with side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
