Stuffed Chicken Breast with Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella

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Stuffed chicken breast is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with a flavorful filling of red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Follow this detailed guide to prepare a mouth-watering stuffed chicken breast that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Table of Contents

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 red bell pepper: Finely chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach: Roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic: Minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

For the Coating:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs: Beaten
  • 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Optional Sauce:

  • 1 cup marinara sauce: Warmed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix with Cheese: In a bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

2. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Butterfly the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
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3. Stuff the Chicken

  1. Fill the Chicken: Divide the filling mixture among the chicken breasts, stuffing each pocket with the red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.

4. Coat the Chicken

  1. Prepare Coating Ingredients: Set up a coating station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

5. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve

  1. Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove any toothpicks used to secure the chicken.
  2. Slice and Serve: Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve with a drizzle of warmed marinara sauce if desired.

Tips for Success

  • Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without overcooking the chicken.
  • Secure Filling: Use toothpicks to secure the filling if needed, and remember to remove them before serving.
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Variations

Italian Style

  • Prosciutto Addition: Add a slice of prosciutto inside each chicken breast along with the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Herb Infusion: Mix fresh basil or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness.

Spicy Kick

  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for some heat.

Vegetarian

  • Portobello Mushrooms: Use large Portobello mushrooms instead of chicken breasts for a vegetarian version. Follow the same stuffing and cooking process.

Conclusion

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and a satisfying texture. With this comprehensive guide, you can easily prepare a delicious and impressive meal that will be a hit at any dinner table. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

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