This stuffed chicken breast recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken filled with sweet roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that works perfectly for weeknight dinners or as a centerpiece for more formal occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavorful and Balanced: The sweet, smoky roasted red peppers pair beautifully with earthy spinach and creamy mozzarella.
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Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, this dish is hearty yet wholesome.
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Simple to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this dish comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
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Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes like rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Roasted red peppers, sliced
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Fresh spinach, chopped
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Olive oil
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Garlic powder
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Dried oregano
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Chicken broth
directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium bowl, mix together the roasted red peppers, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
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Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
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Stuff each chicken breast with the pepper-spinach-cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
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Season the outside of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
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Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is fully melted.
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Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
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Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with provolone, feta, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
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Add Herbs: Include fresh basil or thyme in the stuffing for added aroma and taste.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling for heat.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Yes, jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly and save time. Just be sure to drain them well before using.
How do I prevent the stuffing from leaking out?
Cut the pockets carefully and don’t overstuff. Using toothpicks to secure the opening helps keep the filling inside.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What sides go well with this dish?
Great sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, couscous, or a light salad.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just verify that your broth and cheese are labeled gluten-free.
Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead?
Yes, grill over medium heat until fully cooked, but be cautious as stuffing may melt and leak more easily.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth, white wine, or even water in a pinch.
Conclusion
Chicken Breast Filled with Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Melty Mozzarella is a delightful main course that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests. This well-balanced, protein-packed dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Chicken Breast Filled with Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Melty Mozzarella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Juicy and flavorful, these Chicken Breasts Filled with Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Melty Mozzarella are a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion entrée. This one-pan, oven-baked dish is loaded with gooey cheese, vibrant veggies, and tender chicken.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, mix roasted red peppers, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella. Set aside.
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Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting through.
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Stuff each chicken breast with the pepper-spinach-cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
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Season chicken with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Add chicken broth to the skillet and transfer to the oven.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C) and cheese is melty.
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Remove toothpicks before serving.
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Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, mix roasted red peppers, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella. Set aside.
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Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting through.
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Stuff each chicken breast with the pepper-spinach-cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
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Season chicken with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Add chicken broth to the skillet and transfer to the oven.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C) and cheese is melty.
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Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
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Use sun-dried tomatoes or feta as alternative fillings.
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Can be prepared a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.
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Pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or a simple salad.
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