Description
Juicy chicken breasts merge with roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight. Melted cheese and savory vegetables create a delectable meal that will satisfy your craving for something special.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup (120 g) roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the culinary workspace by warming the oven to 375F (190C). Prepare a baking vessel with a light coating of oil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a delicate pocket without completely separating the meat. Massage the exterior with a vibrant blend of garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Craft the aromatic filling by gently combining chopped spinach, diced roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a mixing bowl. Ensure the ingredients intertwine harmoniously.
- Generously stuff each chicken pocket with the vegetable and cheese mixture, taking care to distribute evenly. Secure the openings with slender toothpicks to maintain the filling’s integrity during cooking.
- Ignite a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle with olive oil and carefully place the prepared chicken breasts, searing until a golden-brown crust develops on both sides.
- Transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Allow the chicken to roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C) for perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and permit the chicken to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute. Delicately extract the toothpicks and garnish with fresh parsley. Present alongside bright lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly thick by gently pounding them to create uniform pockets, helping the stuffing distribute perfectly and preventing uneven cooking.
- Drain excess moisture from spinach and roasted red peppers to prevent soggy filling, which can make the chicken texture unappetizing and compromise the overall dish integrity.
- Try using fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, or swap with low-fat cheese options for a lighter version that still maintains delicious flavor profiles and nutritional balance.
- For gluten-free adaptation, confirm all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free, and double-check that no cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg