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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium flame, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
- 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.
- 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.
- Secure the stuffed breasts using toothpicks or kitchen twine, preventing the luxurious filling from escaping during cooking.
- Delicately brush the exterior of the chicken with remaining olive oil, then generously dust with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- After removing from the oven, carefully extract any securing toothpicks or twine and permit the chicken to rest for five tranquil minutes.
- 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