Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken – A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Meal

There’s something special about a perfectly cooked stuffed chicken breast—juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and bursting with melty cheese and bold flavors. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy and elegant, this Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe!

Stuffed chicken breasts are simple to prepare but feel like a gourmet meal. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a savory filling of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese. A quick pan-sear locks in the juices, and baking ensures everything is perfectly cooked. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a special occasion.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and first steps to making this flavor-packed, cheesy, and healthy stuffed chicken!

What You’ll Need for This Stuffed Chicken

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Large enough to hold a delicious filling.
• Salt & black pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Italian seasoning – A classic blend that adds depth.
• Garlic powder & smoked paprika – Gives the chicken a bold, slightly smoky flavor.

For the Stuffing:

• Fresh spinach – Adds color, freshness, and nutrients.
• Roasted red peppers – Brings a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – The perfect melty cheese for this dish.

For Cooking:

• Olive oil & butter – Ensures the chicken gets a nice golden-brown sear.
• Garlic & red pepper flakes – Adds an aromatic and slightly spicy kick.

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley – A final touch of freshness before serving.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the first step—preparing the chicken for stuffing!

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breasts

Before stuffing the chicken, we need to create a pocket to hold all that delicious filling.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
3. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast.
   • Be sure not to cut all the way through—you want to create a space for the filling while keeping the chicken intact.
4. Season the chicken on both sides with:
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
   • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
   • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

💡 Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them slightly to even out the thickness, which helps them cook evenly.

Part 2: Stuffing and Cooking the Perfect Chicken

Now that our chicken breasts are prepped and seasoned, it’s time to add the delicious, cheesy filling that makes this dish so special. The combination of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese brings the perfect balance of savory, melty, and slightly smoky flavors.

Step 2: Stuffing the Chicken

1. Prepare the filling:
   • Chop 1 cup of fresh spinach into smaller pieces for easier stuffing.
   • Slice ½ cup of roasted red peppers into thin strips.
   • Measure 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (or slice fresh mozzarella if preferred).
2. Stuff each chicken breast:
   • Open the sliced pocket in each chicken breast.
   • Layer in a handful of chopped spinach, followed by sliced roasted red peppers and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
   • If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling in place while cooking.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overstuffing! If too much filling is packed inside, it can leak out while cooking.

Now that our chicken is stuffed and ready to go, let’s move on to searing for that beautiful golden-brown crust!

Step 3: Searing the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Searing the chicken before baking locks in juices and enhances the texture. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the aromatics:
   • Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Sear the stuffed chicken:
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, seam-side up to keep the filling inside.
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t move the chicken around too much—letting it sear undisturbed creates a more flavorful crust!

4. Flip carefully and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

At this point, the chicken is beautifully golden on the outside but not yet fully cooked—that’s where the oven comes in!

Step 4: Baking to Juicy Perfection

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (375°F / 190°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a greased baking dish before baking.
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps retain juices for the best texture.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want extra melty cheese, you can sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking!

At this point, your Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is golden brown, juicy, and bursting with cheesy, flavorful goodness. After letting it rest for a few minutes, it’s time to serve up this delicious dish and enjoy every bite!

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some serving ideas, frequently asked questions, and ways to customize this meal to make it your own.

Step 5: Serving Your Stuffed Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great serving ideas:

✔️ Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A creamy, comforting side that complements the savory chicken.
✔️ Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a light, healthy option.
✔️ Butter Herb Rice – Adds a simple yet flavorful touch to the meal.
✔️ Pasta with Olive Oil & Parmesan – A great choice if you’re craving a heartier side.
✔️ Fresh Green Salad – Keeps things light and balances out the richness of the dish.

💡 Pro Tip: Drizzle extra pan juices or a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving for added flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! To prepare in advance:

• Stuff the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• When ready to cook, follow the searing and baking steps as directed.

2. Can I freeze stuffed chicken?

Absolutely! To freeze:

• Assemble the stuffed chicken but do not cook it yet.
• Wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the cooking instructions.

3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

• Avoid overstuffing—use just enough filling to keep the chicken from bursting open.
• Secure with toothpicks before searing and baking.
• Sear the seam-side up first to help “seal” the pocket.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can also try:

• Feta cheese for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.
• Goat cheese for a creamy, rich flavor.
• Provolone or Swiss for extra melty goodness.

5. How can I make this dish spicy?

If you love heat, try these options:

• Increase the red pepper flakes in the garlic butter.
• Add chopped jalapeños or pepperoncini to the stuffing.
• Drizzle with hot honey or spicy marinara sauce before serving.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is the perfect balance of easy, elegant, and full of flavor. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a date night meal at home!

Why You’ll Love It:

✅ Juicy and flavorful with a cheesy, melty center.
✅ One-pan meal – Easy cleanup with stovetop-to-oven cooking.
✅ Customizable – Use different cheeses, seasonings, or fillings.
✅ Low-carb and packed with protein – A healthy option without sacrificing flavor!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite variations or serving ideas.

Now grab a fork, slice into that cheesy, juicy chicken, and enjoy every delicious bite! 🍽✨

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