There’s something magical about a dish that looks fancy but is secretly so simple to make. That’s exactly what you get with this Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken—a meal that’s both elegant and effortless. The combination of sweet roasted peppers, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella tucked inside juicy chicken breasts makes for an unforgettable bite every time.
Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at a special gathering, this recipe delivers. And the best part? You don’t need any complicated ingredients or advanced cooking skills. Just a handful of fresh, flavorful components and a few easy steps will bring this dish to life.
Let’s dive in and start prepping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Impressive – Looks restaurant-worthy but comes together in no time.
- Packed with Flavor – Roasted red peppers add a subtle sweetness, mozzarella brings creaminess, and spinach adds freshness.
- Healthy and Satisfying – High in protein and loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients.
- Versatile Pairings – Goes well with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create this delicious stuffed chicken dish:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless, and large enough to hold the stuffing.
- Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet and slightly smoky, these add a beautiful flavor contrast.
- Fresh Spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for that perfect cheesy bite.
- Olive Oil – Helps season the chicken and keeps it juicy.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning – Essential for adding depth to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper – Simple but necessary for enhancing the flavors.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start preparing the chicken!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before anything else, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice along the side to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through—think of it like creating a little pouch to hold all that delicious filling.
Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are extra thick, you can lightly pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Now comes the fun part—stuffing the chicken! Evenly divide the roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese among the chicken breasts. Tuck them in snugly, making sure the filling is well distributed.
If you’re worried about the filling spilling out, secure the openings with a couple of toothpicks. This will help keep everything inside while the chicken bakes
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Now that your chicken breasts are stuffed and secured, it’s time to add flavor to the outside. In a small bowl, mix together:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Using a brush (or your hands), coat each stuffed chicken breast evenly with the seasoning mixture. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the olive oil helps the chicken stay moist while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Arrange them so they’re not too crowded—this allows the heat to circulate properly for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra golden, crispy top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
If you used toothpicks to secure the stuffing, don’t forget to remove them before serving!
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few great options:
- Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for a healthy, flavorful side.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes complement the cheesy, savory filling perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Pasta – A light pasta dish, like garlic butter spaghetti or lemon herb penne, makes a great pairing.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Want extra cheesy goodness? Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Prefer a crispy exterior? Pan-sear the stuffed chicken in a skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.
- Try different cheeses! Mozzarella is classic, but you can also use provolone, fontina, or even feta for a different flavor twist.
- Make it spicy. Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a few slices of spicy pepperoni inside for a kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking stuffed chicken might seem a little tricky at first, but once you try it, you’ll see just how simple it is! Here are some common questions and helpful answers to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time.
1. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch the filling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, it’s done.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just brush on the seasoning and bake as directed. Keep in mind that if the chicken is very cold from the fridge, it may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven.
3. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For best results, use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts. Frozen chicken won’t cook evenly, and cutting a pocket into frozen meat is difficult. If using frozen chicken, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe.
4. What if my filling keeps falling out?
If your filling tends to spill out, here are a few tricks:
- Secure the openings with toothpicks before baking.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken—keep the filling evenly distributed inside.
- Sear the chicken for a couple of minutes on each side before baking to help “seal” the edges.
Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
5. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes! To cook on the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
6. What other fillings can I use?
This recipe is super versatile! Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Basil and ricotta for an Italian-inspired dish.
- Jalapeños and cheddar cheese for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy melted cheese, and flavorful veggies makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you add any fun variations? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
PrintRoasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
This roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella stuffed chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of sweet roasted peppers, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella makes every bite delicious. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Author: Mark's Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 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
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Carefully slice along the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Evenly distribute the roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese among the chicken breasts, stuffing them well. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the chicken breasts, coating both sides.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Serve with a light pasta dish, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- If you prefer, pan-sear the chicken breasts for a few minutes before baking to give them a golden crust.