Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

🐔 Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Tender chicken breasts filled with a savory, colorful mix of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant occasions.
📋 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (packed)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Toothpicks (to secure the filling)
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Do not cut all the way through.
Season both sides (and inside the pocket) with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Stuff Chicken
Fill each chicken breast with:
- A handful of spinach
- A few slices of roasted red pepper
- About ¼ cup of mozzarella
Secure the opening with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
Step 4: Optional – Sear for Flavor
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high.
Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the chicken to the oven (in the skillet or baking dish).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and slice or serve whole. Pair with your favorite sides.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Roasted Potatoes with garlic & rosemary
- Quinoa Salad with cucumber, tomato & lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed Asparagus or sautéed green beans
- Garlic Bread or crusty baguette
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the chicken or it may burst open while baking.
- Marinate chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking (165°F internal temperature).
- Leftovers? Slice and serve in wraps, salads, or sandwiches!
🧠 FAQs
Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Stuff and refrigerate chicken up to 6 hours ahead. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I use different cheese or greens?
A: Definitely—try provolone, goat cheese, or sautéed kale instead of mozzarella and spinach.
Q: What if I skip searing?
A: That’s fine! Baking alone still produces juicy, flavorful chicken—searing just adds more texture and visual appeal.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins