Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is like a cozy hug from your oven, wrapping tender chicken around a deliciously creamy filling. With each bite, you get the sweetness of roasted red peppers mingling with the stretchy goodness of mozzarella, creating a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.
This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering. I remember the first time I attempted this recipe; my friends were over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them. Let’s just say the kitchen smelled so good that even the neighbors peeked in to see what was cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any meal
- You can serve it with various sides, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!
Ingredients for Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts; they should be plump and fresh for best results.
Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred or homemade, these add a sweet depth of flavor and beautiful color.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for that gooey texture; it melts beautifully inside the chicken.
Fresh Basil: Adds an aromatic touch that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep everything moist while roasting and enhances flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and give it a spray with nonstick cooking spray so that our tasty creation doesn’t stick!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
With a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Don’t go all the way through—think of it as giving your chicken a little cozy sleeping bag.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix together chopped roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil. It’s like assembling a party inside your chicken! Season this mixture with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Stuff It Up
Spoon the filling into each chicken pocket generously. Now’s not the time to skimp! Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary—just consider them little barricades protecting your cheesy treasure.
Step 5: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle olive oil over each stuffed chicken breast and sprinkle some extra salt and pepper on top—because we want flavor from every angle!
Step 6: Bake Away
Place your stuffed chicken in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). The aroma will make you question why you ever ordered takeout!
To finish off this culinary masterpiece, transfer your stuffed chicken onto plates and drizzle with any remaining juices from the baking dish. Serve with your favorite side salad or roasted veggies for an amazing meal!
Enjoy this Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken as it brings everyone together around the table—just be prepared for compliments!
You Must Know
- This Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe is a showstopper
- Not only does it burst with flavor, but it also allows for easy customization
- The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas make it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds
- Perfect for any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet until golden brown, then transfer them to the oven to finish cooking while you whip up a quick side salad or pasta. This way, you maximize flavors and minimize chaos.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes inside the chicken for an extra flavor kick. Don’t be shy; get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it remains juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking
- Using room temperature cheese helps it melt beautifully inside
- Finally, let the chicken rest after cooking; this keeps those delicious juices locked in
There was that one time I made Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken for my friends’ dinner party. Everyone raved about it, and someone even tried to bribe me for the recipe! It turned into my go-to dish for impressing guests ever since.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken?
To make Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken, gather chicken breasts, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella cheese, garlic, spinach, olive oil, and your choice of herbs like basil or oregano. You will also need salt and pepper to season the dish. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful filling that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or family meals.
How long does it take to cook Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken?
Cooking Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken typically takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). Start by preparing your stuffed chicken and sealing it well. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese melts beautifully. Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking ensures that the juices redistribute and keeps each bite tender and moist.
Can I prepare Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken ahead of time. Simply assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge. This makes it convenient for meal prep on busy days while still offering a freshly baked dish that your family will love.
What can I serve with Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken?
Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it with a light salad featuring mixed greens and vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, garlic mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement this dish nicely. For a heartier option, you could also serve it over pasta drizzled with olive oil or marinara sauce.
Conclusion for Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken:
In summary, Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with flavorful roasted peppers and melted mozzarella. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs or side dishes to make this meal your own. Whether served with salad or pasta, this stuffed chicken is sure to impress your family and friends!
Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a delightful dish that wraps juicy, tender chicken breasts around a creamy filling of roasted red peppers and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe combines vibrant colors and rich flavors to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket.
- In a bowl, mix chopped roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each chicken pocket generously with the mixture; secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
