Description
Creamy mozzarella and smoky roasted red peppers elevate this stuffed chicken masterpiece into a Mediterranean-inspired delight. Layers of fresh spinach and melted cheese create a flavor symphony that promises to impress dinner guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless chicken fillets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and create a butterfly cut through each chicken fillet, slicing horizontally without completely separating the meat, allowing it to open like a delicate book.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by whisking olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage this aromatic mixture thoroughly across both sides of the chicken, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
- Prepare the vibrant filling by combining chopped spinach, diced roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan. Gently season and fold the ingredients until evenly distributed, creating a colorful and tantalizing mixture.
- Generously distribute the filling onto one side of each opened chicken fillet, carefully folding the meat to encase the ingredients. Secure the edges using toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Transfer the stuffed chicken to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For an appealing golden crust, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the surface turns crisp and bronzed.
Notes
- Butterfly the chicken carefully to create a pocket for maximum flavor infusion without cutting completely through the meat.
- Marinate chicken with a robust spice blend to enhance overall taste and create a delicious aromatic base for the stuffing.
- Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy, rich filling that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- Secure stuffed chicken with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfectly packed meal.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, reaching 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg