Description
Learn how to make delicious Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken. This recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with flavorful ingredients and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Chicken: Setting the Stage for Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a deep horizontal cut along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Tip: You want to create a pocket that’s large enough to hold a generous amount of filling, but not so large that the chicken breast falls apart.
2. Stuff the Chicken: Building Layers of Flavor
- Combine Filling: In a medium sized bowl, combine the sliced roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add a little of the seasonings to the filling mixture, if desired.
- Stuff Chicken: Divide the filling evenly among the four chicken breasts. Carefully spoon the filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, pressing it in gently to distribute it evenly.
- Secure with Toothpicks (Optional): If you’re concerned about the filling spilling out during baking, you can secure the opening of each chicken breast with one or two toothpicks.
3. Season the Chicken: Adding Flavor and Aroma
- Combine Oil and Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Brush Chicken: Using a pastry brush or your fingers, brush the olive oil and seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.
4. Bake to Perfection: Achieving Juicy Chicken and Melted Cheese
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed and seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Enjoying Your Flavorful Creation
- Rest (Optional): Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken hot, with your favorite sides.
