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Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

A comforting and healthy baked dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with roasted red peppers, spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Filling
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1½–2 lbs
  • 1 large red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced or 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if desired
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil + oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, for pan-searing
  • 1 lemon wedges for serving
Optional Garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • A drizzle of balsamic glaze

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an ovenproof baking dish or skillet.
  2. If roasting your own pepper: place whole red bell pepper under broiler or on a hot grill until charred on all sides, then transfer to a bowl and cover for 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and dice. (If using jarred roasted peppers, just chop and drain.)
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together roasted red pepper, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
  4. Butterfly each chicken breast: lay flat and slice horizontally almost through to create a pocket, or slice completely and open like a book. If needed, gently pound with a meat mallet to even thickness (about ½ inch).
  5. Spoon an even portion of the filling into each breast, then roll or fold to enclose. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and/or 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken seam-side down for 2–3 minutes until golden; flip and sear the other side for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Brush the tops with remaining olive oil, then transfer skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). If using a thinner cut, check at 18 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven and let rest 5–7 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine, slice on a bias, and serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Notes

For variations, consider low-carb options by replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour. Ensure ingredients accommodate dietary preferences such as gluten-free or dairy-free. You can prepare the chicken ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later cooking.