Savory Stuffed Chicken with Red Peppers & Spinach Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you create a savory stuffed chicken that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Colorful ingredients dance together in a delightful symphony of taste.

Tender chicken breasts become the perfect canvas for rich mozzarella and vibrant roasted red peppers.

Spinach adds a fresh, earthy note that complements the melting cheese.

Each slice promises a mouthwatering experience that will make your dinner table shine.

Cooking this dish feels like a delicious adventure waiting to unfold.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible meal.

Savory Stuffed Chicken Bursting with Spinach and Roasted Reds

• Prepare this impressive meal in just 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families and professionals.
• Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and calcium from mozzarella, delivering a balanced and wholesome dinner option.
• Adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, date nights, or elegant weekend entertaining without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need for Savory Stuffed Chicken with Mozzarella

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat perfect for stuffing, choose fresh, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that melts beautifully inside the chicken.

• Garlic: Adds deep, savory flavor to the filling.
• Spinach: Earthy green that provides nutrients and texture.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky vegetable that enhances the filling's complexity.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright herb for garnishing and adding fresh flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing and keeping chicken moist.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Paprika: Mild pepper powder for color and subtle warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall taste.
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: Helps secure the chicken stuffing during cooking.

How to Prepare Savory Stuffed Chicken Like a Chef

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Preheat oven to 400°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without cutting completely through. The pocket should be deep enough to hold filling but keep the chicken intact.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

• Fresh spinach
• Roasted red peppers
• Mozzarella cheese
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in spinach and cook until soft and wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Stuff Chicken Breasts

• Roasted red peppers
• Cooked spinach
• Mozzarella cheese

Close the pocket and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep filling inside.

Step 4: Season Chicken Exterior

• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Heat oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove toothpicks or twine. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Great accompaniments include roasted vegetables, rice, or green salad.

Pro Tips for Juicy Savory Stuffed Chicken Every Time

• Slice with Precision: Make a careful horizontal cut in chicken breasts, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through, ensuring even stuffing distribution.
• Prevent Filling Spillage: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken breasts, keeping delicious roasted peppers, spinach, and mozzarella neatly inside during cooking.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Sear chicken breasts before baking to develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in moisture and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Check Temperature Accuracy: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 74C (165F) internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives or use plant-based protein like tofu for vegetarian versions, maintaining the recipe's core flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Stuffed Chicken Beautifully

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat to 175C (350F). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).
• Reheat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent chicken from becoming tough and dry.

Sides That Pair Well with Savory Stuffed Chicken

• Choose crisp, herbal white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the chicken's delicate flavors and cut through the richness of mozzarella.
• Select fresh Mediterranean-inspired side dishes like a Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta or roasted lemon-garlic potatoes to balance the stuffed chicken's robust profile.
• Opt for light-bodied red wines such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, which provide subtle fruitiness without overpowering the chicken's delicate stuffing.
• Serve with a bright chimichurri sauce or fresh basil pesto to add an herbal kick that complements the spinach and roasted red pepper filling.

Stuffed Chicken Variations to Shake Things Up

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Stuffing: Replace spinach with riced cauliflower and roasted red peppers. Swap mozzarella for a low-fat cheese option to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternative like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Add chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor complexity.
• Herb-Infused Protein Version: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage into the filling. Replace mozzarella with goat cheese for a tangy, herbaceous chicken experience that elevates the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Option: Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for optional exterior coating if desired, making the recipe safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Savory Stuffed Chicken Q&A

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist and doesn't dry out?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F). Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature early and removing the chicken from the oven as soon as it’s done. The searing and resting process also helps lock in moisture.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken up to a day ahead. Assemble the chicken, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before searing and baking to ensure even cooking.

• What if I can't find roasted red peppers?

You can use fresh bell peppers, slice them, and quickly roast them in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan. Alternatively, use sun-dried tomatoes or another colorful vegetable as a substitute.

• Is there a way to make this recipe more low-carb?

Replace the mozzarella with a lower-fat cheese like feta or goat cheese. You can also skip any starchy side dishes and serve with extra roasted vegetables to keep the meal low-carb and high in protein.

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

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4.7 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful Stuffed Chicken Breast intertwines succulent chicken with roasted red peppers, wilted spinach, and melted mozzarella. Herbs and seasonings elevate this Mediterranean-inspired dish, promising a delectable meal you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 large chicken breasts

Cheese and Vegetable Fillings:

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

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by delicately carving a horizontal pocket along each fillet, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat, creating a perfect cavity for the delectable filling.
2. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium flame, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Incorporate fresh spinach into the skillet, gently wilting the leaves until they transform into a vibrant emerald landscape, then remove from heat and permit slight cooling.
4. Meticulously layer the interior of each chicken pocket with roasted red peppers, creating a rich foundation, followed by the sauteed spinach, and crown with creamy mozzarella cheese.
5. Secure the stuffed breasts using toothpicks or kitchen twine, preventing the luxurious filling from escaping during cooking.
6. Delicately brush the exterior of the chicken with remaining olive oil, then generously dust with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
7. Preheat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, introducing a whisper of olive oil if necessary, and sear the chicken breasts until they develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
8. Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 200C oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches the safe 74C.
9. After removing from the oven, carefully extract any securing toothpicks or twine and permit the chicken to rest for five tranquil minutes.
10. Present the stuffed chicken adorned with fresh herbs, accompanied by roasted vegetables, fragrant rice, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing.
• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before cutting pockets to prevent moisture interfering with searing.
• Use a sharp knife and steady hand when creating pockets to avoid tearing the meat.
• Keep filling ingredients finely chopped to distribute evenly and prevent bulky, uneven stuffing.
• Drain roasted red peppers thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making chicken soggy.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
• Use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks for more secure filling and easier removal.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
• Swap mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Use lactose-free cheese for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for nutritional variety.
• For gluten-free version, verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer for precise doneness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg