Short Description
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with melty mozzarella, sweet roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach. With a golden-brown sear and a garlic butter finish, this elegant yet easy meal is perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful chicken with a gooey, cheesy center
- A healthy and protein-packed meal with fresh vegetables
- Easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for special occasions
- A perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors
- Great for meal prep and pairs well with a variety of sides
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
Preheat and Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken:
- Fill each chicken pocket with chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent filling from spilling out.
Season and Sear:
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garlic Butter Finish:
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, melt butter in a small pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Drizzle the garlic butter over the baked chicken before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Use feta, goat cheese, or provolone instead of mozzarella.
- Add More Flavor: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil with the stuffing.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze stuffed, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they may require a slightly longer bake time.
How do I keep the stuffing from spilling out?
Use toothpicks to secure the opening, or avoid overstuffing the chicken.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff and season the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
What sides pair well with this dish?
It goes great with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain them well before using.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, but you’ll need to cover the skillet and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes after searing.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, making it a great keto-friendly meal.
Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, using indirect heat to finish cooking.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
Conclusion
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is an easy yet elegant dish that’s packed with flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With juicy chicken, a cheesy vegetable filling, and a savory garlic butter finish, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Try different variations to customize it to your taste and enjoy a delicious, wholesome dinner!
Print
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is an easy yet elegant dish that’s bursting with melty mozzarella, smoky roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach. Juicy, golden-brown, and finished with garlic butter, this protein-packed meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
✔ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
✔ 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔ 1 tsp onion powder
✔ 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
✔ 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
✔ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
✔ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
✔ 1 tbsp butter
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3️⃣ Stuff It Up: Evenly divide and stuff each chicken pocket with chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4️⃣ Season & Sear: Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection: Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6️⃣ Garlic Butter Finish: In the last 5 minutes of baking, melt butter in a small pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Drizzle over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor
Notes
- Secure chicken pockets with toothpicks to keep the filling in place while cooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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