Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
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Roasted Red Peppers: Use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience or roast your own in the oven for deeper flavor.
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Spinach: Baby spinach is preferred for its tender texture, but regular spinach works if chopped finely.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best meltability. You can substitute with provolone or gouda for a twist.
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Chicken Breasts: Choose medium to large chicken breasts to allow enough room for stuffing. If they’re very thick, you may need to pound them slightly for even cooking.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken will bake evenly after being seared.
2. Prepare the Filling
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In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped roasted red peppers, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Slice the Chicken Breasts
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Using a sharp knife, slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You’re creating a space for the filling to sit securely inside.
4. Stuff the Chicken
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Spoon the filling mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Press the filling in gently, making sure it’s evenly spread. You can secure the chicken with toothpicks if necessary to keep the stuffing from falling out during cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken
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Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This helps lock in the juices and develop flavor.
6. Bake the Chicken
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.
7. Let It Rest
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Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step is essential to keep the juices inside the chicken.
Notes
1. Don’t Overstuff
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It’s tempting to use a lot of filling, but overstuffing can cause the chicken to burst open or leak during cooking. Stick to the suggested amounts for a secure and balanced result.
2. Secure with Toothpicks
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If the chicken breast won’t stay closed after stuffing, insert a couple of toothpicks through the edges to hold everything in place. Just remember to remove them before serving.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
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Always check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C).
4. Pat Chicken Dry Before Searing
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Blot the chicken breasts with a paper towel before adding them to the hot pan. This helps them brown better and prevents oil splatter.
5. Use an Oven-Safe Skillet
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A cast iron or stainless-steel skillet that can go from stovetop to oven saves time and reduces cleanup.
6. Prep Ahead
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You can prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also stuff the chicken earlier in the day and cook it when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes