This elegant stuffed chicken breast recipe combines the vibrant flavors of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella cheese for a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The juicy chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, then seared to golden perfection before being finished in the oven. This impressive yet straightforward dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive presentation with minimal effort – looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make
• Packed with flavor from the combination of savory chicken, sweet roasted peppers, earthy spinach, and creamy cheese
• Naturally high in protein while incorporating nutritious vegetables
• Versatile enough to pair with various side dishes, from pasta to salad
• Perfect make-ahead option for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Use large, thick chicken breasts to create a generous pocket for stuffing. Boneless, skinless breasts work best for this recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella works great for even distribution, but fresh mozzarella slices add an extra creamy texture and rustic presentation.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly and save time, but you can also roast your own for a more intense flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach leaves wilt down perfectly for the filling. In a pinch, frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can substitute.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best aromatic base for the filling. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is preferred.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both sautéing and brushing the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: This herb blend typically contains basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. You can create your own blend if preferred.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken. Smoked paprika can be used for extra depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are best for seasoning.
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: Essential for securing the chicken and keeping the filling inside while cooking.

Variations

Mediterranean Version

Transform this dish with a Mediterranean twist by using feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Add some chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to the filling. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Spicy Southwest Style

Give this stuffed chicken a Southwestern flair by adding diced jalapeños to the filling and substituting pepper jack cheese for the mozzarella. Season the chicken with chili powder and cumin instead of Italian seasoning. Serve with black beans, corn salsa, and avocado slices for a vibrant, spicy dinner option.

Mushroom and Herb

Create an earthy variation by adding sautéed mushrooms to the filling mixture. Use a combination of wild mushrooms with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Swap the mozzarella for fontina or Gruyère cheese for a deeper flavor profile. This version pairs beautifully with a creamy risotto or polenta.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by creating pockets in each chicken breast. Place your hand on top of the chicken breast and use a sharp knife to cut horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a pocket that will hold your filling while keeping the chicken intact. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear later.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) to avoid burning. Add the fresh spinach to the pan and toss until it wilts down, which happens quickly – usually within 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cheese prematurely when assembling.

Step 3: Stuff and Seal the Chicken

Open each chicken breast pocket like a book and layer in the fillings – first some roasted red pepper slices, then the sautéed spinach, and finally the mozzarella cheese. Don’t overstuff, as the filling may leak out during cooking. Secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine, threading them through the open edges to keep everything contained during cooking.

Step 4: Season and Cook

Brush the exterior of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper on all sides. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Allow your chicken to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking results
• When searing the chicken, don’t move it around in the pan – let it develop a golden crust before flipping
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the chicken and losing juices
• If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, lightly pound them before cutting the pocket to ensure even cooking
• Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat
• Count your toothpicks before serving so you know how many to remove – they’re easy to miss!

How to Serve

Serve this stuffed chicken breast as the star of your meal, sliced on a diagonal to showcase the colorful filling. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides – try roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for an elegant dinner, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside creamy polenta, risotto, or pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley over the sliced chicken adds a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Make Ahead

This stuffed chicken recipe works wonderfully for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining. You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance – simply assemble, secure with toothpicks, and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. For even quicker preparation, the spinach filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored separately. Fully cooked stuffed chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for planned leftovers. Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

While chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing due to their size and shape, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Instead of cutting a pocket, flatten the thighs, add filling, then roll them up and secure with toothpicks. Note that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be completely white with no pink, and the juices should run clear.

Can I freeze this stuffed chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken either before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, prepare through the stuffing step, wrap individually in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooked stuffed chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven until heated through.

What can I substitute for roasted red peppers?

Sun-dried tomatoes make an excellent substitute with their sweet, concentrated flavor. Fresh bell peppers (briefly sautéed), roasted cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts would also work well, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

This savory stuffed chicken breast recipe elevates a simple protein to an impressive, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. The combination of sweet roasted red peppers, nutritious spinach, and melty mozzarella creates a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Give it a try tonight and prepare for the compliments!

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