Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is one of those dishes that looks impressive yet feels completely achievable at home. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, savory mixture of melted mozzarella, tender spinach, and sweet roasted red peppers, then baked until golden and succulent. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how it elevates simple ingredients into something that feels restaurant-worthy without requiring complicated techniques. I have prepared this dish for both quiet family dinners and small gatherings, and it consistently earns compliments. The filling keeps the chicken moist while adding layers of flavor and texture. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to simple salads. If you are looking for a dependable chicken recipe that delivers on flavor, presentation, and comfort, this one fits seamlessly into your regular rotation.
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Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken for an Elegant Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella, then baked to perfection for an elegant yet easy main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (30 g)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (120 g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (110 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks, for securing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket.
- Season chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each chicken breast with spinach, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and garlic.
- Secure openings with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Substitute provolone or fontina for mozzarella if desired.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the structure for this dish. When butterflied correctly, they create a perfect pocket for the filling while remaining juicy during baking.
Roasted red peppers
Roasted red peppers add a gentle sweetness and smoky depth. Jarred peppers work well and save time, making this recipe practical for busy evenings.
Fresh spinach
Spinach brings freshness and a mild earthiness to the filling. As it wilts during cooking, it blends seamlessly with the cheese.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella offers a creamy, mild flavor and excellent melting quality. It binds the filling together and creates an appealing cheese pull when sliced.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and ensures the filling stays smooth rather than dry. It balances the sharper notes of the roasted peppers.
Garlic
Fresh garlic enhances the savory profile of the dish and complements both the chicken and the cheese.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to lightly coat the chicken, promoting even browning and preventing dryness.
Italian seasoning
A blend of dried herbs adds subtle complexity and ties the flavors together without overpowering the filling.
Salt and black pepper
Simple seasoning is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and the stuffing.

Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, and spinach. Stir until evenly mixed. Spoon the filling into each chicken breast, dividing it evenly. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). For a lightly golden top, switch to the grill setting for the final two minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for five minutes before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken.

Variations and Customizations
This stuffed chicken recipe is highly adaptable and welcomes creative adjustments. For a stronger cheese flavor, you can replace part of the mozzarella with provolone or mild cheddar. If you enjoy a hint of sharpness, a small amount of grated Parmesan mixed into the filling works well. I have also experimented with adding sun-dried tomatoes, which introduce a deeper, more intense sweetness.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream cheese and rely more heavily on mozzarella and spinach. If spinach is unavailable, finely chopped kale or Swiss chard can be used instead, though they may require brief pre-cooking to soften. Those who enjoy spice can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced chili into the filling.
This dish can also be adapted for different cooking methods. It performs well in an air fryer, where it cooks faster and develops a lightly crisp exterior. Regardless of the variation, the core flavors remain comforting and balanced.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Protein (g) | 42 |
| Carbs (g) | 8 |
| Fat (g) | 29 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 13 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 3 |
| Sodium (mg) | 720 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Butterfly carefully
Take your time when cutting the chicken to avoid tearing and to create an even pocket.
Soften cream cheese fully
Room-temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly with the other ingredients.
Do not overfill
Overstuffing can cause the filling to leak during baking.
Rest before slicing
Allowing the chicken to rest helps retain juices and improves texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be stuffed and refrigerated up to one day in advance before baking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 74°C (165°F).
Can I freeze stuffed chicken?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results. Thaw fully before cooking.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad work well.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into low-carb meal plans.
Conclusion
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a reliable recipe that delivers flavor, elegance, and comfort in every bite. Its creamy filling and juicy chicken make it a standout dish that feels special while remaining easy to prepare. Whether served for a family meal or a casual dinner with guests, it is a recipe worth keeping close.
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