Description
Succulent chicken breasts get a Mediterranean makeover with this roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella stuffed chicken. Flavorful ingredients meld together, creating a delightful dish that promises a satisfying meal for hungry dinner guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cooking Accessories:
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Create a deep pocket in each chicken breast by carefully slicing into the thickest side, ensuring not to cut completely through.
- Generously season both the interior and exterior of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, coating evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine roasted red peppers, spinach, minced garlic, and mozzarella cheese, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Gently stuff each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, pressing the filling firmly but avoiding overflow. Secure the openings using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent leakage.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pocket Precision: Slice the chicken breast pocket carefully, ensuring the knife doesn’t cut through completely for a perfect stuffing compartment.
- Seasoning Balance: Use a light hand with seasonings, allowing the roasted red pepper and mozzarella flavors to shine through without overwhelming the dish.
- Moisture Maintenance: Avoid overstuffing the chicken to prevent filling leakage and ensure even cooking throughout the breast.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets, keeping the same vibrant flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg