If you’re searching for a delicious and impressive weeknight dinner, look no further than Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken. This dish encapsulates the essence of comfort food with the delightful combination of juicy chicken, melty cheese, and flavorful vegetables. The vibrant colors of roasted red peppers and fresh spinach not only make this meal eye-catching but also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful choice for anyone aiming to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip it up even on the busiest of nights.
This stuffed chicken is not just easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can get creative by adding your favorite herbs or even incorporating different kinds of cheese. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish will surely impress with its tantalizing flavors and enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen. Imagine cutting into that tender chicken to reveal a warm, cheesy interior filled with roasted red peppers and spinach—truly a meal to remember!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and rich mozzarella creates a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Healthy Yet Satisfying: Packed with nutrients, this dish offers a healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and gooey cheese, resulting in a well-rounded meal.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can get this meal on the table quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or spices to make this dish uniquely yours!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on this culinary journey, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for baking that stuffed chicken to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and achieves a beautiful golden brown color.
Next, you will need a sharp knife to slice the pockets in your chicken breasts. A cutting board is essential for this step, providing a safe space to work. Make sure the chicken is thawed and pat it dry with a paper towel to help the spices stick better. For cooking, have a heavy skillet on hand to sear the chicken before baking; cast iron works wonderfully. Lastly, gather your mixing bowl, measuring spoons, and a spatula for combining your filling ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for searing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for when you place your stuffed chicken inside. This initial step is vital as it helps to cook the chicken evenly, achieving a juicy interior while crisping up the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Take your chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each breast, slicing horizontally. Be cautious not to cut through the other side, as you want to create a cavity to hold the delicious filling.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach
In a medium frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes or until wilted. This step not only adds flavor but also ensures the spinach is tender and integrates beautifully into the filling.
Step 4: Make the Flavorful Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, chopped roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all of the ingredients are evenly distributed and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Stuff the Chicken
Generously fill each chicken pocket with the prepared filling mixture. Ensure you pack it in well, but don’t overfill, as it may spill out during cooking. Once stuffed, secure the pockets closed using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
Step 6: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet you used for the spinach, add a little more olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. This step adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavors through browning.
Step 7: Bake the Stuffed Chicken
After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken remains juicy and the filling is warmed through while achieving a deliciously crisp exterior.
Optional Step 8: Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar
For an added layer of flavor, consider drizzling balsamic vinegar on top of the chicken just before serving. This step enhances the dish with a tangy contrast, balancing the richness of the cheese and roasted peppers.
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the chicken for turkey or even pork tenderloin for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes for more flavor and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with spicy elements such as crushed red pepper or a pinch of paprika to give it an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Be careful when cutting the chicken pockets to avoid cutting all the way through, which could lead to spilling filling while cooking.
- Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and tenderness.
- If you have leftover filling, it can be baked in a small dish alongside the chicken for an additional side.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the stuffed chicken with a light salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a bed of quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Tips
- For added moisture and flavor, consider marinating the chicken in an olive oil and balsamic mixture for a few hours before preparation.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent.
- If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cooked spinach and roasted peppers to skip some steps.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully defrosted before preparing.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even feta for a different flavor profile.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and stuff it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a spectacular dish that brings together the comfort of home cooking with wholesome ingredients. Its versatility and ease make it a go-to for busy nights, and the vibrant flavors will delight your taste buds. Whether you follow the recipes as is or explore variations, this meal promises satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to gather your loved ones, share this recipe, and enjoy a delightful dining experience together. We invite you to leave a comment about your cooking adventures with this dish or share your favorite variations!
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Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and impressive weeknight dinner filled with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and flavorful vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for searing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken breasts by cutting a pocket into each breast.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, add spinach, and cook until wilted.
- Mix sautéed spinach with remaining filling ingredients in a bowl.
- Stuff each chicken pocket with the filling and secure with toothpicks or twine.
- Sear the stuffed chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
- Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Optional: drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
For added moisture and flavor, consider marinating the chicken in an olive oil and balsamic mixture for a few hours before preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 40 g