If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that feels both comforting and a bit fancy, this Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is the perfect choice! Filled with the vibrant flavors of roasted red pepper, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this stuffed chicken breast recipe elevates dinner without requiring hours of preparation. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s an ideal recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking for a flavorful weeknight meal or a special dish to impress guests.
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this stuffed chicken recipe! First and foremost, the combination of flavors is incredible—sweet roasted red peppers, earthy spinach, and creamy mozzarella come together beautifully inside a juicy chicken breast. The parmesan and breadcrumbs add a slight crunch on the outside, which contrasts perfectly with the soft, cheesy filling. This recipe also doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, making it a budget-friendly yet impressive meal option. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the roasted red pepper, chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until well-combined, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. - Pound and Season the Chicken
Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. This not only makes the chicken easier to stuff but also helps it cook evenly. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper. - Stuff the Chicken
Spoon a portion of the filling mixture onto one side of each chicken breast, then fold the other side over to enclose the filling. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling in place during cooking. - Coat the Chicken
Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to the surface. - Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the melty, cheesy, flavorful goodness of this stuffed chicken.
Success Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly
Ensuring the chicken breasts are of even thickness helps them cook evenly. This is particularly important for stuffed chicken to ensure the filling is heated through without overcooking the chicken. - Use Fresh Spinach and Roasted Peppers
Fresh spinach offers the best texture and flavor, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a soggy filling. Roasting the red pepper yourself enhances the flavor, but jarred roasted red peppers are a great time-saver. - Secure with Toothpicks
The toothpicks are essential for keeping the filling in place. Don’t skip this step! Remember to remove them before serving. - Broil for Extra Crispiness
Broiling the stuffed chicken at the end adds a golden, crispy finish to the breadcrumbs. Keep an eye on the chicken as it broils to avoid burning.
Storage
If you have leftovers, allow the stuffed chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or heat individual portions in the microwave. Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as it may make the chicken rubbery.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to the point of breading them, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Alternative Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the filling. You could try adding sun-dried tomatoes, swapping mozzarella for feta or goat cheese, or adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: To make this recipe lower in carbs, skip the breadcrumbs and bake without coating or substitute with crushed pork rinds.
Nutrition
Each serving (1 stuffed chicken breast) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with various cheeses. You could try goat cheese, feta, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to keep the mozzarella or a similar melty cheese to get that gooey, stretchy texture in the filling. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using vegan cheese substitutes. Be mindful of the breadcrumbs, as some may contain dairy products, and choose a dairy-free option. - What side dishes pair well with this stuffed chicken?
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with a light side salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even a simple pasta dish. Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf are also excellent choices for a more hearty meal. - Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this stuffed chicken before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. For already cooked chicken, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven. - Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, grilling is another great way to cook this stuffed chicken. Be sure to secure the chicken breasts well with toothpicks, and grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe is a winner for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a flavor-packed filling, it’s a delightful meal that balances crispy and creamy textures with savory, rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will leave a lasting impression and satisfy everyone at the table. Happy cooking!