Looking for a dinner recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken! Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Carefully make a deep cut along the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket for stuffing. Be cautious not to cut all the way through to ensure the filling stays intact.
- Fill each chicken breast pocket with an equal amount of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
- If needed, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful seasoning mixture. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts, infusing them with aromatic flavors.
- Arrange the seasoned stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish, ready to be baked to perfection.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks if used and serve the Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and elevate your dinner game with this delicious and satisfying meal!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken alongside a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
- Pair it with roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or potatoes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Storage Instructions:
- If you have leftovers, allow the stuffed chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
- Freezing Options:
- If you want to freeze the stuffed chicken for later use, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Properly stored, the stuffed chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen chicken to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, reheat the chicken following the same instructions as mentioned above.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken whenever you crave it, whether it’s for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh spinach in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before using it to prevent excess moisture in the stuffing mixture.
- What can I serve with Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken?
- This stuffed chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a simple green salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides to complement the flavors of the dish.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and it should register at least 165°F (75°C). Additionally, you can check for clear juices and no pinkness in the center of the chicken.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of stuffing the chicken breasts, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the remaining steps of the recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The chicken is stuffed with a savory filling and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Serves 4
-
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
-
For the stuffing:
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
-
For garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the chicken:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, without cutting all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Make the stuffing:
- In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
-
Stuff the chicken:
- Divide the stuffing mixture evenly and fill each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the edges, if needed, to prevent the filling from spilling out.
-
Sear the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
-
Bake the chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move the chicken to the prepared baking dish). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.