Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken
Why Make This Recipe
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that combines juicy chicken with flavorful ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s easy to make, and the layers of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella create a tasty experience that everyone will love.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- With a sharp knife, slice a deep pocket along the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through completely.
- Fill each chicken breast with equal portions of sliced roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Use toothpicks to close the openings as needed to keep the filling intact.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each stuffed chicken breast.
- Arrange the prepared chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken
Serve the roasted red pepper spinach mozzarella chicken hot. You can pair it with a fresh salad, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a nice touch too!
How to Store Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken
- Make sure to slice the pockets deep enough to hold the filling, but be cautious not to cut all the way through.
- You can use fresh or frozen spinach; if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some herbs or spices that you enjoy to the filling.
Variation
You can switch up the cheese by using feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms can also enhance the dish further.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and should no longer be pink in the center.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces skinless chicken breasts Use medium-sized breasts for even cooking.
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced Use jarred or homemade roasted peppers.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves Heavily packed for full flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Part-skim mozzarella works well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can substitute with dried oregano.
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- With a sharp knife, slice a deep pocket along the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through completely.
- Fill each chicken breast with equal portions of sliced roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Use toothpicks to close the openings as needed to keep the filling intact.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each stuffed chicken breast.
Cooking
- Arrange the prepared chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
