PERFECT ROASTED RED PEPPER MOZZARELLA STUFFED CHICKEN

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy chicken breast, the tender meat giving way to a burst of sweet roasted red pepper and melted mozzarella – it’s pure comfort food elevated. This Roasted Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress, even on a busy weeknight, so let’s create this culinary masterpiece together!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Stuffing:

• 1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Roasting Red Peppers: Your Secret Weapon

Before we dive into stuffing the chicken, let’s talk about roasting those red peppers. This step is crucial for that sweet, smoky flavor that really makes this dish sing. You can roast them in a few ways:

• Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the whole peppers directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet lined with foil). Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and blistered, turning occasionally.
• Broiling: Place the peppers under the broiler, turning frequently, until the skin is blackened.
• Gas Stovetop: Place the peppers directly on the gas burner grate over medium heat. Turn frequently until the skin is blackened.

Once roasted, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10-15 minutes. This steams them, making the skin easy to peel off. Then, peel off the skin, remove the seeds and stem, and chop. Don’t have time to roast your own peppers? No problem! Jarred roasted red peppers work just fine. Just make sure to drain them well before chopping. This is a great shortcut when you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes with peppers but are short on time.

Preparing the Chicken: Butterfly Technique

Okay, now that our roasted red peppers are ready, let’s get the chicken ready for its delicious filling. The easiest way to stuff a chicken breast is to “butterfly” it. Here’s how: 1. Place a chicken breast on a cutting board. 2. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the center of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket. 3. Open the breast like a book. You can also gently pound the butterflied chicken breast to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding to prevent tearing. This helps it cook evenly.

Crafting the Perfect Stuffing

This stuffing is where the magic happens. The combination of sweet roasted red pepper, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil is just divine. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. I always sneak a little taste at this point – it’s that good!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Assembling Your Masterpiece

Now for the fun part – putting it all together!

1. Preheat and Prep:

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Stuff the Chicken:

   Divide the roasted red pepper and mozzarella mixture evenly among the butterflied chicken breasts. Spread the stuffing evenly over one side of the butterflied chicken. Fold the other side of the chicken breast over the stuffing, creating a sealed pocket. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the edges.

3. Season and Sear (Optional):

   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side to create a golden-brown crust. This step adds extra flavor and helps to seal in the juices. This is totally optional but HIGHLY recommended!

4. Bake to Perfection:

   Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The mozzarella should be melted and bubbly.

5. Rest and Serve:

   Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Roasted Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss some broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them alongside the chicken.
• Quinoa or Rice: These grains are a healthy and satisfying side dish.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Because, who doesn’t love garlic bread? You might even like to try Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls for a decadent treat.

This recipe truly is a dinner recipe elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s a perfect example of how you can create restaurant-quality food at home.

Tips and Tricks for Stuffed Chicken Success

• Don’t Overstuff: Resist the urge to pack the chicken breasts too full. Overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the stuffing.
• Get Creative with the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or pesto would all be delicious additions. Think of these as Dinner Recipes Bell Peppers – use your imagination to change it up!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put a personal spin on this recipe? Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a little heat.
• Italian Sausage: Mix cooked and crumbled Italian sausage into the stuffing for a heartier meal.
• Pesto Power: Spread a layer of pesto on the chicken before adding the roasted red pepper and mozzarella mixture.
• Bell Pepper Stuffed Chicken – Literally: Use different colored bell peppers in the filling or as a bed for the chicken to cook on!

If you’re a fan of cheesy chicken dishes, you might also enjoy my Mozzarella Chicken Recipe or even Chicken Parmesan. And if you’re looking for something comforting, the Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken will surely hit the spot.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the chicken might be a little less juicy.

The Joy of Home Cooking

This Roasted Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of creating something delicious and sharing it with the people you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Embrace the process, and most importantly, have fun! The Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is another fantastic option when you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners. Another great option is Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken if you are looking for some fresh flavors. Enjoy!