Description
Pan-seared chicken stuffed with roasted red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella, then baked to juicy, melty perfection—quick and flavorful dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers (sliced into strips)
- 1½ cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
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Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit into each chicken breast, slicing about ⅔ of the way through to create a pocket for stuffing.
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Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
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Dredge each chicken breast lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Chicken
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In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Add the floured chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
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Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Filling
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In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
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Sauté the roasted red pepper strips and fresh spinach for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is just wilted.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
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Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer the filling to a small bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Carefully stuff each chicken breast with 1 slice of mozzarella and an even portion of the pepper-spinach mixture.
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Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
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Return the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet (off-heat).
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
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Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
To keep things neat while baking, lay the chicken seam-side up in the pan.
Let the filling cool before stuffing to avoid melting the mozzarella prematurely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Stuffed chicken, mozzarella chicken, spinach chicken, roasted pepper chicken