Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts are filled with melty mozzarella, tender spinach, and sweet roasted red peppers, then seasoned and baked until golden and bubbling. This easy one-pan meal is high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Oven: 400°F (200°C)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, roasted red peppers, cooked spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into the thickest part of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff the chicken: Divide the spinach, pepper, and cheese mixture evenly between the chicken breasts. Carefully spoon the filling into each pocket and gently press the chicken closed. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Arrange for baking: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan over the tops.
- Bake: Place in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Check for doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The cheese should be melted and bubbling, with the chicken lightly golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks and spoon the melted cheese and juices over the chicken.
Serving Ideas
Serve with roasted broccoli, cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, asparagus, or a crisp green salad for a high-protein, low-carb meal.
Tip: Drain the roasted red peppers and squeeze excess moisture from the spinach before adding them to the filling. This helps keep the chicken from becoming watery while baking.