Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella Recipe

Easy Savory Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers Recipe

My newfound love for savory stuffed chicken emerged during a cozy weekend experiment in my kitchen.

Bold flavors dance through this mouthwatering recipe that promises excitement in every single bite.

Mediterranean ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular and surprisingly simple.

Each slice reveals layers of melted mozzarella nestled against tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.

Spinach adds a nutritious green punch while roasted red peppers contribute a subtle smoky sweetness.

Impressing dinner companions with this elegant yet approachable dish that looks complicated but comes together effortlessly.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next culinary adventure.

All Ingredients For Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat perfect for stuffing, versatile for flavor absorption and juicy texture. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, Mozzarella Cheese: Flavorful combination adding moisture, nutrients, and rich taste. Red peppers bring sweetness, spinach provides iron, and mozzarella creates creamy texture.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with searing and adds subtle flavor. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances overall dish flavor. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste.
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend for depth and warmth. Enhances chicken's natural taste.
Herbs for Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Basil: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and light herbal notes. Optional but recommended for extra freshness.

Steps To Make Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

Step 1: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Grab your sharpest knife and carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a wide pocket. Don’t cut all the way through – you want a beautiful butterfly effect that’ll hold all the delicious filling inside.

Step 2: Create the Magical Filling

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a quick moment. Add fresh spinach and watch it transform from robust leaves to a tender, vibrant green delight. Let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 3: Pack in the Flavor

Open up those chicken pockets and start layering your ingredients:
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Sauteed spinach
  • Creamy mozzarella cheese

Secure everything with toothpicks or kitchen twine so nothing escapes during cooking.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle a generous mix of:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 5: Sear and Bake

Heat a large oven-safe skillet until it’s sizzling hot. Add a touch of olive oil if needed. Sear the chicken breasts until they turn a gorgeous golden brown – about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven and bake until the chicken reaches a perfect internal temperature.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Remove the toothpicks or twine. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in all those incredible juices. Plate up with some fresh herbs sprinkled on top. Pair with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad.

Pro Tip: The key is keeping the chicken moist and packed with flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your stuffing ingredients!

Tips To Help With Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

  • Slice Smartly: Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts horizontally with gentle, controlled movements to create an even pocket without piercing through the meat.
  • Prevent Cheese Leakage: Cool spinach mixture slightly before adding cheese to prevent immediate melting and ensure the filling stays inside the chicken during cooking.
  • Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 74C (165F) internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or goat cheese to add unique taste profiles and create exciting variations of the dish.
  • Rest and Relax: Allow stuffed chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures a moist, tender final result.

How To Keep Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen stuffed chicken maintains best quality for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 175C (350F). Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).
  • Microwave Reheating: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.

Great Pairings For Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, savory chicken with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the cheese's creaminess and balance the dish's robust flavors.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Pilaf: Create a perfect side of herbed rice pilaf with parsley, thyme, and a touch of lemon zest. The fragrant grains will enhance the chicken's Mediterranean-inspired seasonings and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Serve with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant roasted with olive oil, garlic, and oregano. These vegetables echo the dish's roasted red pepper and spinach components, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Add a Zesty Lemon Salad: Toss a fresh green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. The citrusy dressing will lift the chicken's richness and provide a light, palate-cleansing accompaniment.

Other Ways To Try Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

  • Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and swap roasted red peppers for chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.
  • Herb-Infused Goat Cheese Chicken: Substitute mozzarella with creamy goat cheese. Mix in fresh chopped chives, thyme, and rosemary into the spinach filling for an aromatic herb explosion.
  • Smoky Bacon and Cheddar Chicken: Incorporate crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella. Add a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the savory profile.
  • Mushroom and Swiss Chicken: Replace spinach with sauteed wild mushrooms and swap mozzarella for melted Swiss cheese. Drizzle with a light white wine reduction for extra elegance.

Common Questions On Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella

  • What makes this stuffed chicken special?

This recipe combines roasted red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella cheese inside juicy chicken breasts, creating a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite. The combination of ingredients adds moisture, texture, and a delicious Mediterranean-inspired taste.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella works perfectly, you can substitute with provolone, feta, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the other ingredients.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 74C (165F). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and provides a balanced meal. It’s lower in calories compared to many other stuffed chicken recipes and offers a good mix of nutrients.

What Makes Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella Great

  • Burst with Flavor Punch: Each bite delivers a symphony of tastes with roasted peppers, melted mozzarella, and sauteed spinach creating a mouth-watering combination that elevates ordinary chicken.
  • Quick and Easy Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks wanting impressive results without complicated techniques.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, iron-rich spinach, and calcium from mozzarella, this dish offers a balanced meal that's both delicious and wholesome for health-conscious eaters.
  • Versatile Dinner Star: Adaptable for multiple occasions from weeknight family dinners to elegant dinner parties, this stuffed chicken can be paired with various sides and fits different dietary preferences.
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Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella Recipe

Savory Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, And Mozzarella Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent “Savory Stuffed Chicken” combines roasted red peppers, spinach, and melted mozzarella in a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Juicy chicken breasts deliver complex flavors that invite home cooks to savor each perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 large chicken breasts

Cheese and Vegetables:

  • 150 grams (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
  • 100 grams (1 cup) roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 100 grams (3 cups) fresh spinach

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Additional:

  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions

  1. Chicken breast preparation involves creating a delicate horizontal pocket using a precision knife, ensuring the cut doesn’t slice completely through the meat. This technique allows for an elegant stuffing compartment.
  2. Garlic infusion begins by gently sautéing minced aromatics in olive oil, releasing their fragrant essence. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and soften, creating a vibrant green base for the filling.
  3. Carefully layer the internal cavity with roasted red peppers, transforming each piece into a colorful canvas. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese, which will melt and create a creamy texture during cooking. Secure the opening using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent ingredient spillage.
  4. Elevate the exterior with a delicate olive oil massage, then generously coat with a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This seasoning will develop a rich, golden crust during cooking.
  5. Initiate searing in a scorching skillet, developing a crisp, caramelized exterior by cooking each side until achieving a beautiful golden-brown hue. Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated oven, allowing uniform heat distribution to cook the chicken thoroughly until it reaches perfect internal temperature.
  6. After removing support structures like toothpicks, allow the chicken to rest momentarily, enabling juices to redistribute. Present the dish adorned with fresh herbaceous garnishes like parsley or basil. Complement the stuffed chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Keep chicken breasts uniform in thickness by gently pounding them with a meat mallet before cutting the pocket, ensuring even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
  • Squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy filling and maintain a crisp texture inside the chicken.
  • Choose high-quality mozzarella with low moisture content to prevent leakage and create a perfect cheese melt without making the filling watery.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese options like feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles, accommodating various taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 355
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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