Cheesy Spinach & Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Summer dinners call for vibrant, delightful roasted red pepper and spinach mozzarella stuffed chicken that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

This simple yet elegant dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, colorful filling that melts in your mouth.

Succulent chicken transforms into a gourmet masterpiece with just a few ingredients.

Each slice reveals a luscious blend of melted cheese, smoky peppers, and fresh spinach that elevates the entire meal.

The recipe balances nutrition and indulgence with remarkable ease.

Colorful and packed with protein, this chicken will become your new go-to weeknight dinner that impresses without complicated preparation.

Dig into this mouthwatering creation that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

Best Pairings for This Chicken Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich, creamy mozzarella and cuts through the chicken's savory notes.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Combine fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and feta with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, cheesy chicken and add bright, zesty flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Herb-seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty, golden accompaniment that soaks up the delicious chicken juices and adds textural contrast.
• Match with Herb-Infused Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh basil and parsley to echo the Italian seasoning in the chicken and provide a protein-packed, light grain base.

Flavor Swaps for Stuffed Chicken

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace spinach with sautéed zucchini strips and use full-fat mozzarella for higher fat content. Wrap chicken in bacon for extra flavor and keto-friendly protein.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for coating the chicken.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives inside the chicken. Sprinkle oregano and fresh parsley for an authentic Greek profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with large portobello mushroom caps or thick eggplant slices. Stuff with roasted peppers, spinach, and mozzarella, then bake until tender.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts earlier in the day and refrigerate them. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake.

• What if I don't have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works perfectly. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before stuffing the chicken to prevent soggy filling.

• How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Pat the chicken pocket dry before stuffing, use toothpicks to seal the opening, and avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts to minimize cheese leakage.

Why This Stuffed Chicken Is Packed With Flavor

• Quick and Delicious Nutrition Boost: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and calcium from mozzarella, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Oven-baking ensures consistent results, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a reliable and flavorful chicken recipe that never disappoints.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various dietary preferences and easily paired with different sides, this stuffed chicken works great for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep.

Ingredients for Red Pepper Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein perfect for stuffing.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky flavor enhancer.
• Spinach: Nutrient-packed leafy green with vibrant color.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese that adds richness.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of herbs and spices for delicious flavor.

• Toothpicks: Optional support for keeping chicken stuffing secure.

How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pockets

Slice each chicken breast carefully along its side, creating a pocket without cutting completely through.

This pocket will hold your delicious filling.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 3: Stuff Chicken Breasts

Evenly distribute the filling mixture inside each chicken breast pocket.

Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed, preventing the stuffing from falling out during cooking.

Step 4: Season Chicken

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Brush this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the seasoned stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.

Slide the dish into an oven preheated to 375°F.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and no longer shows any pink coloration in the center.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Chicken Success

• Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket without piercing through, ensuring a perfect stuffing space.
• Distribute roasted red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella evenly to prevent overstuffing and ensure uniform cooking.
• Apply toothpicks strategically to keep the stuffing inside during baking, preventing ingredients from spilling out.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, avoiding undercooked meat.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile and add personal culinary flair.

Store and Reheat Stuffed Chicken Properly

• Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Cover chicken individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the chicken to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.
• Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to guarantee food safety and eliminate potential bacteria.

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, And Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across palates. Succulent chicken breasts become irresistible vessels for creamy cheese, earthy spinach, and sweet roasted peppers, promising a delightful meal you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine

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Instructions

1. Transform the chicken breasts into a culinary canvas by crafting a delicate pocket along the thickest side, maintaining structural integrity. Lavishly coat both interior and exterior with a vibrant medley of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
2. Craft a harmonious filling by blending roasted red peppers, vibrant spinach, aromatic garlic, and melty mozzarella cheese. Gently fold ingredients together, creating a cohesive and colorful mixture that promises rich, layered flavors.
3. Meticulously nestle the prepared filling into each chicken breast’s pocket, pressing gently to maximize volume without compromising the meat’s structure. Secure the openings using toothpicks or kitchen twine, preventing any precious filling from escaping during cooking.
4. Ignite a large oven-safe skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Gracefully introduce the stuffed chicken breasts, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until a gorgeous golden-brown crust develops, locking in moisture and introducing caramelized notes.
5. Transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 18-20 minutes. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After removing from the oven, grant the chicken a brief 5-minute resting period to redistribute juices before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Prevent overstuffing by leaving a small margin around the edges of the chicken pocket to ensure clean sealing and even cooking.
• Choose freshly roasted red peppers or high-quality jarred peppers for maximum flavor complexity and vibrant color in the filling.
• Squeeze excess moisture from spinach to maintain the filling’s texture and prevent soggy chicken during baking.
• Consider using low-moisture mozzarella to reduce potential liquid release and keep the stuffing compact and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 120mg