Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Juicy chicken stuffed with smoky roasted red peppers and creamy mozzarella, baked to perfection for a mouthwatering, flavor-packed bite!
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The roasted red pepper adds a beautiful depth of sweetness to this dish, balancing perfectly with the creamy mozzarella. As the chicken roasts, those little pockets of cheese and peppers melt together into a gooey, savory filling that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. You’ll get a bite of smoky sweetness with every forkful, complemented by the slight tang of the melted cheese that brings it all together. The slight char from the roasted peppers and the tender, juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s just irresistible. It’s one of those meals that fills the house with the most wonderful, comforting aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in. Every time I make this, I’m reminded of cozy evenings when I just want something that feels both special and familiar. It’s so easy to make, yet it looks like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something delicious. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Key Ingredients in Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that make this meal so comforting and delicious. Let’s take a closer look at what brings everything together:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    The star of the dish! The chicken breasts serve as the perfect vessel for stuffing, offering a juicy and tender base that holds all the flavorful fillings inside. They’re lean and versatile, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
  • Roasted red peppers, chopped
    These sweet and smoky peppers add a rich depth to the dish, bringing a natural sweetness with just the right amount of char. Roasting them enhances their flavor, giving a savory, slightly caramelized bite with every forkful.
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
    Mozzarella gives the dish its signature gooey, melty texture. As it melts, it creates a smooth and creamy filling that binds the roasted red peppers and chicken together, adding a mild, rich flavor.
  • Fresh basil, chopped
    Basil adds a refreshing, aromatic touch that brightens the richness of the cheese and chicken. Its slightly sweet, peppery flavor provides a beautiful balance to the dish, giving it a fresh, herbal lift.
  • Olive oil
    Olive oil is the key to achieving that perfectly crisp, golden exterior on the chicken while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It also helps to bring all the ingredients together, ensuring the stuffing stays in place as it bakes.
  • Garlic powder
    Garlic powder infuses the dish with a warm, savory base note that deepens the flavor profile. It’s not overpowering, but it complements the roasted peppers and mozzarella beautifully, creating an aromatic depth.
  • Onion powder
    Onion powder adds a mild, sweet onion flavor without the harshness of fresh onions. It rounds out the savory notes in the dish, harmonizing with the garlic powder and roasted peppers.
  • Salt
    Salt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients. It enhances the sweetness of the peppers, the creaminess of the cheese, and the savory chicken, creating a well-balanced flavor.
  • Black pepper
    Black pepper provides a slight kick of heat and earthy spice that cuts through the richness of the cheese and olive oil. It’s the finishing touch that makes everything pop.
  • Red pepper flakes
    A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat to the dish, elevating the flavors without overwhelming them. It’s a great way to give the recipe a little extra zing, especially if you like a hint of spice.
  • Balsamic vinegar
    The balsamic vinegar brings a tangy sweetness that ties everything together. It adds a layer of complexity to the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese and the smokiness of the peppers with just the right amount of acidity.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

  • STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken to juicy perfection.
  • STEP 2: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Lay the chicken flat, making sure it’s easy to work with while you’re prepping the pockets for the stuffing.
  • STEP 3: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through. You want to create a deep pocket that holds the stuffing, but don’t slice the chicken completely in half. The pocket should be large enough to fit the filling but still leave the chicken in one piece.
  • STEP 4: Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give the chicken a nice, even coating of these spices, making sure to season both the inside and outside of the breasts for maximum flavor.
  • STEP 5: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil. This mixture is what makes the filling so irresistibly flavorful. The roasted red peppers bring that smoky sweetness, the mozzarella melts beautifully, and the fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous brightness.
  • STEP 6: Stuff each chicken breast with the roasted red pepper and mozzarella mixture, dividing it evenly between the two breasts. Gently pack the filling into each pocket, being careful not to overstuff them. The goal is to get a nice, even distribution of filling throughout the chicken.
  • STEP 7: Use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts, ensuring the filling stays inside while cooking. Place one or two toothpicks along the edges of the chicken to seal it up and hold the filling in place. Just be sure to remove them before serving!
  • STEP 8: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot and shimmer, which will help sear the chicken to golden perfection.
  • STEP 9: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Place the chicken into the pan gently, making sure not to overcrowd it. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as it hits the hot oil.
  • STEP 10: Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step adds flavor and color to the chicken. You’re not cooking it through yet, just creating a beautiful, crispy outer layer.
  • STEP 11: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken breasts while they are still in the skillet. The vinegar will start to sizzle immediately, adding a tangy sweetness that will help balance out the richness of the cheese and peppers.
  • STEP 12: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The oven will finish cooking the chicken, ensuring that it’s tender and juicy while the filling becomes gooey and delicious.
  • STEP 13: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Letting the chicken rest will help keep all those juices inside, making it even more succulent when you cut into it.
  • STEP 14: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving. The toothpicks have done their job, so remove them carefully and set them aside.
  • STEP 15: Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with your choice of side dishes and enjoy. Pair this flavorful dish with your favorite sides, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

  • A Simple Green Salad
    A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the stuffed chicken. Toss together some mixed greens, arugula, or spinach with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar—nothing too heavy, just something to balance all that deliciousness. You can even add a sprinkle of parmesan to tie it all together.
  • Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
    These golden, crispy potatoes are the ultimate sidekick to this dish. Roasted with garlic, fresh herbs, and a generous amount of butter, they’ll soak up any juices from the chicken, making every bite feel like pure comfort. Plus, they’re just so irresistible with that satisfying crunch.
  • SautĆ©ed Veggies
    A medley of sautƩed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes adds color and lightness to the plate. The natural sweetness of the peppers and the slight char from the sautƩing process will complement the stuffed chicken beautifully, keeping everything vibrant and fresh. You can even add a dash of balsamic glaze for a touch of tangy sweetness to bring it all together.

How to Store Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious stuffed chicken (and let’s be honest, sometimes that’s the best part!), storing it properly will keep it fresh and flavorful for days to come. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make it soggy.

For short-term storage, simply place the stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed to preserve that delicious mozzarella filling and prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to get that crispy exterior back, adding a little drizzle of olive oil if needed to keep it moist.

If you want to store it for a longer period, freezing is your best option. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When stored this way, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake or pan-sear as you would with fresh chicken. This makes for a perfect meal prep option when you want something delicious and comforting on hand without any fuss.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a cozy, comforting, and absolutely delicious meal that’s sure to make your taste buds sing. This Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is the perfect balance of smoky, cheesy goodness with a little touch of sweetness and a burst of fresh basil. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just want something easy yet impressive for yourself, this dish has you covered. Plus, the leftovers? Even better the next day (if they last that long!).

I can’t wait to hear what you think if you give this recipe a try! Let me know if you’ve made it, or if you have any questions or tweaks you want to chat about. I’m always here to help or just swap stories about what’s cooking in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and here’s to more delicious meals and memories!

Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins
Calories: 350

Description

A tender, juicy chicken breast stuffed with sweet, smoky roasted red peppers and creamy mozzarella cheese. Each bite bursts with vibrant flavors, creating a perfect balance of richness and freshness. A comforting, mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
  3. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
  4. Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
  6. Stuff each chicken breast with the roasted red pepper and mozzarella mixture, dividing it evenly between the two breasts.
  7. Use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts, ensuring the filling stays inside while cooking.
  8. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet.
  10. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
  11. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken breasts while they are still in the skillet.
  12. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  13. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  14. Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving.
  15. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with your choice of side dishes and enjoy.

Note

  • Make sure to not overstuff the chicken breasts to avoid spillage during cooking.
  • If you prefer a stronger flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Substitute fresh basil with spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.
  • Consider using sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers for a more intense taste.
Keywords: roasted red pepper chicken recipe, mozzarella stuffed chicken breast, easy stuffed chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner ideas, roasted pepper mozzarella chicken

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

It takes about 30 minutes to prepare this recipe. This includes chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and preheating the oven.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can use other cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or fontina. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly, and some cheeses may melt differently than mozzarella.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it is safe to eat. Additionally, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance. Stuff the chicken, secure it with toothpicks, and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What should I serve with this stuffed chicken?

This stuffed chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with a light pasta dish or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe without balsamic vinegar?

Yes, you can omit the balsamic vinegar if you prefer. For a different flavor, try substituting it with lemon juice, a splash of white wine, or a different type of vinegar like red wine or apple cider vinegar.

Daniel Carter

Daniel Carter

Hi, I'm Daniel Carter, founder of My Food Plans and your personal meal planning coach! After spending years struggling with the nightly "what's for dinner" dilemma while trying to eat healthily and stick to a budget.

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