Description
Succulent chicken breasts become a gourmet delight with this roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella stuffed chicken recipe that promises Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Cheese melts luxuriously inside tender chicken, delivering a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence for passionate home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters) thickness
Cheese and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the vibrant filling by blending roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, creamy mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, crunchy breadcrumbs, a whisked egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Create a deep pocket in each chicken breast by carefully slicing a horizontal slit, ensuring not to cut completely through the meat.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the prepared filling, making sure the mixture is evenly distributed and tucked securely inside the pocket.
- Carefully seal the chicken breasts by inserting toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Position the stuffed chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them with space between each piece to ensure even heating.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Remove toothpicks before plating and serve immediately alongside complementary sides like roasted seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through completely, ensuring the filling stays tucked inside during roasting.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before stuffing to help breadcrumbs adhere better and achieve a crispier exterior coating.
- Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella for maximum melting and flavor development inside the chicken.
- For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or finely chopped nuts to maintain texture while reducing carbohydrates.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg