Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a delicious twist on classic stuffed chicken breasts. Juicy chicken is filled with roasted red peppers and melted mozzarella, creating a flavorful and cheesy main dish perfect for any dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast generously with roasted red peppers and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 4: Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Step 5: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before stuffing.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but reduce the amount slightly to prevent leakage.
- Try adding fresh basil or spinach inside the pockets for a green, fresh note.
- If you don’t have roasted red peppers, jarred roasted peppers or even sun-dried tomatoes work well as a substitute.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melted and chicken moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze the stuffed chicken breasts?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check doneness.
PrintRed Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with sweet roasted red peppers and melted mozzarella cheese, seasoned perfectly and baked to juicy perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that makes a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the sliced roasted red peppers and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Stuff the chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with the red pepper and mozzarella mixture, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over each stuffed chicken breast. Drizzle olive oil over the top to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking, or pound them gently to even out.
- Use fresh or jarred roasted red peppers according to availability.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Keywords: stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella stuffed chicken, roasted red peppers, easy dinner, Italian-inspired chicken
