Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the absolute joy of stuffed chicken! There’s something so heartwarming about juicy chicken breasts filled with all those vibrant flavors—like roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken is not only a feast for the eyes but a real crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. I remember one family gathering when I made this dish, and everyone was raving about it! The combination of flavors just brings everyone together, and it’s as comforting as a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a staple in your household too! It’s so simple, yet so impressive!
Ingredients for Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly throughout and gets that lovely golden crust. Trust me, you want that!
Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. I love how colorful this mixture looks! It’s like a little rainbow of flavor just waiting to be stuffed inside the chicken.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Now, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into each one. Be gentle here—don’t cut all the way through! You want to create enough space to hold all that delicious stuffing without the chicken falling apart. Just a nice little pocket will do!
Stuff the Chicken
Time to fill those pockets! Take a generous amount of the stuffing mixture and pack it into each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s well filled, but also be careful not to overstuff, or you’ll have a mess on your hands!
Season the Chicken
Next, sprinkle each stuffed chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to rub the seasonings in a bit to make sure every bite is bursting with flavor. You want to ensure that every inch is seasoned evenly!
Brown the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and brown them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for getting that beautiful color and flavor before baking!
Bake the Chicken
Finally, transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through (no one likes undercooked chicken!). You’re looking for that perfect juicy chicken that’s oozing with all that cheesy goodness from the inside!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—especially the spinach!
- Don’t skip the browning step; it adds fantastic depth to the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta or provolone!
- Make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving (1 stuffed chicken breast):
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Always check the labels for the most accurate information, but I promise you, this dish packs in a lot of nutrition while being absolutely delicious!
FAQ About Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Can I use different vegetables in the stuffing?
Absolutely! While I love the combo of roasted red peppers and spinach, feel free to swap in other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or even some sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they’re cooked and chopped to fit nicely inside the chicken!
What can I serve with this stuffed chicken?
This roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic mashed potatoes. You can never go wrong with a nice crusty bread to soak up any juices, either!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer! You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, and there shouldn’t be any pink inside.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken up to the browning step, cover it, and refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven to bake. It’s perfect for meal prep or impressing guests without all the last-minute fuss!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave, but I recommend the oven to keep the chicken crispy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with the delicious combination of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and mozzarella.
- Healthy ingredients that are low in fat and high in protein.
- Impressive enough for dinner parties but simple enough for everyday meals.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for endless variations.
- Leftovers taste amazing and make for a great meal prep option!
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken, you might have some leftovers—and that’s a good thing! To store, simply let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to maintain its moisture and flavor!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating them in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just be careful, as it can make the chicken a bit rubbery. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix roasted red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella.
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
- Stuff the chicken with the mixture.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken on both sides for 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor.
- Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken
