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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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