Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Imagine slicing into a perfectly golden chicken breast to reveal a vibrant center of roasted red peppers and gooey mozzarella cheese. This Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken delivers an explosion of Mediterranean flavors in every juicy bite. The tender chicken exterior gives way to a colorful filling that’s both savory and slightly sweet from the caramelized peppers. You’ll learn how to create this impressive yet surprisingly simple dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the crispy, seasoned exterior and the molten cheese interior creates a perfect textural balance that’s incredibly satisfying. The roasted red peppers add a sweet smokiness that perfectly complements the mild, creamy mozzarella.

Despite its elegant appearance, this stuffed chicken requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. It’s also incredibly versatile – perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

For health-conscious cooks, this dish delivers protein-packed chicken with the nutritional benefits of red peppers, including vitamins A and C. The portion-controlled cheese gives you that indulgent experience without overwhelming the dish with excessive calories.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-7 oz/170-200g each)
• 1 jar (12 oz/340g) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 8 equal portions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter

The quality of your mozzarella matters significantly in this cheese stuffed chicken recipe – fresh mozzarella offers superior meltability and a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties. For the roasted red peppers, jarred varieties work perfectly, but if you have time, home-roasted peppers deliver an even more intense flavor.

Pro Tips

Use the right cutting technique: To create a perfect pocket for your stuffed chicken breast, place your hand flat on top of the chicken and use a sharp knife to cut horizontally into the thickest part, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. This prevents the filling from leaking during cooking while maximizing the amount of delicious stuffing you can add.

Don’t skip the searing step: Quickly searing the stuffed chicken breasts before baking is crucial for developing a flavorful crust and sealing in juices. About 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet creates that golden exterior that makes this Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken truly special.

Use a meat thermometer: The trickiest part of cooking stuffed chicken is ensuring it’s cooked through without drying out. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling) and aim for 165°F (74°C). This eliminates guesswork and guarantees perfectly juicy results every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Create pockets in each chicken breast by placing your hand flat on top and carefully slicing horizontally into the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a deep pocket while keeping the three sides intact.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and chopped basil. Mix well to create your flavorful filling.

Step 4: Season both the outside and inside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, and paprika, gently rubbing the seasonings onto the meat to ensure even coverage.

Step 5: Stuff each chicken breast by first placing a slice of mozzarella inside the pocket, followed by 2-3 tablespoons of the roasted red pepper mixture, and then another slice of mozzarella. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from spilling out.

Step 6: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 7: If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer directly to the preheated oven. Otherwise, transfer the seared chicken to your prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and the filling to set slightly.

Step 9: Remove any toothpicks, garnish with additional fresh basil, and serve immediately for the most impressive presentation and flavor experience.

Variations

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken: For a Greek-inspired twist on this Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken, add 1 cup of wilted spinach to the filling and replace half the mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese. The salty feta and earthy spinach create a delicious flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the roasted red peppers.

Italian Stuffed Chicken: Enhance the Mediterranean flavors by adding 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of pesto to the filling mixture. This variation intensifies the Italian flavors and adds beautiful color contrast when you slice into the chicken.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, replace the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Supplement with extra roasted red peppers and add 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the filling for a cheesy flavor without the actual cheese.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

For an impressive dinner presentation, slice the chicken on a bias to showcase the colorful filling and serve over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes with the natural pan juices drizzled on top. The creamy potatoes make an excellent canvas for the flavorful chicken and help soak up any delicious juices.

Alternatively, pair this stuffed chicken with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a lighter meal option. The peppery arugula and bright lemon complement the rich, savory flavors of the chicken beautifully.

For meal prep, you can assemble the stuffed chicken up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

FAQs

Can I make this stuffed chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Stuff the chicken breasts, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Use toothpicks to secure the openings, make sure not to overstuff the chicken, and create a deep enough pocket without cutting through. Searing the chicken first also helps seal the opening.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Boneless chicken thighs can work, but they’re typically smaller and thinner than breasts. Consider butterflying and pounding them flat, then rolling them around the filling instead of stuffing.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture or substitute one of the roasted red peppers with a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.

What sides pair well with this dish?
This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, risotto, pasta, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with roasted asparagus and wild rice pilaf.

Conclusion

This Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of juicy protein, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese that elevates a simple chicken dinner to memorable status. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of golden-brown chicken exterior and the vibrant, cheesy filling creates a meal that appeals to both the eye and the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this stuffed chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked love in every bite.

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