Description
Succulent chicken breasts stuffed with roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella offer a Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight. Home chefs can easily create this protein-packed dish that delivers complex flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Elevate the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), preparing a culinary canvas for a delectable chicken transformation.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by whisking olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel.
- Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating a butterfly-like pocket without completely separating the meat, ensuring an even surface for stuffing.
- Massage the prepared seasoning mixture thoroughly across the chicken’s exterior, infusing each crevice with aromatic flavors.
- Harmonize chopped spinach, diced roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl, creating a vibrant and textured filling.
- Generously distribute the colorful stuffing mixture into the chicken’s central pocket, ensuring an even spread of ingredients.
- Carefully fold the chicken breasts, encapsulating the filling, and secure with toothpicks if needed to maintain structural integrity.
- Transfer stuffed chicken to a baking dish, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a 25-30 minute roasting period at 375°F, until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- For an optional golden finish, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, creating a crisp, caramelized exterior.
- Extract toothpicks and present the aromatic, stuffed chicken breasts while piping hot, ready to delight eager diners.
Notes
- Slice chicken carefully to create an even butterfly pocket, preventing filling from spilling during cooking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for creamier texture and more intense flavor profile in the stuffing mixture.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote golden-brown exterior.
- Consider using parchment paper or lightly greasing baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg