Description
Savory stuffed chicken with roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella combines Mediterranean flavors in a delightful main course. Juicy chicken breasts promise a satisfying meal that delights palates and brings comfort to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (30 g) spinach, fresh, chopped
- ½ cup (120 g) red peppers, roasted, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent adhesion.
- Chicken Preparation: Delicately butterfly chicken breasts, creating a pocket while maintaining structural integrity. Massage the exterior with a robust seasoning blend of garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Filling Creation: Harmoniously blend chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl, ensuring a cohesive and flavorful mixture.
- Stuffing and Sealing: Meticulously fill each chicken pocket with the vegetable-cheese medley, distributing evenly. Secure openings with toothpicks to maintain structural composition during cooking.
- Searing and Roasting: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high flame, drizzle with olive oil, and sear chicken breasts until a golden-brown crust develops. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, verifying the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- Finishing and Serving: Allow chicken to rest briefly for juice redistribution. Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley, and accompany with vibrant lemon wedges for an enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Butterfly with Care: Slice chicken breasts carefully, keeping one side intact to create a pocket without completely separating the meat, ensuring even stuffing and preventing filling from leaking.
- Balance Moisture: Use minimal liquid in filling to prevent soggy chicken, patting roasted red peppers and spinach dry before mixing to maintain ideal texture and prevent excess water.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can dry out chicken and compromise its tenderness and flavor.
- Versatile Adaptation: Swap mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese for vegan version, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining recipe’s delicious essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 564 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg