Sunday dinners are special. They’re a time to share stories and enjoy good food. I made a roasted red pepper & mozzarella stuffed chicken breast one Sunday. It became a hit with my family.
The chicken was crispy outside and melted mozzarella inside. It smelled amazing. My family wanted more.
This dish is perfect for any meal. It’s full of vibrant flavors. It’s great for both everyday meals and special times.
Introduction to Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
I love how roasted red pepper chicken makes chicken breasts special. It’s great for family dinners or fancy parties. The colors and smells make my kitchen feel like Italy.
Making this stuffed chicken is easy. It’s filled with sweet peppers and creamy mozzarella. Each bite is full of flavor. Fresh basil and Italian seasoning make it even better.
This dish is perfect for any meal. It’s easy to make and tastes like a restaurant. It’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients for the Stuffed Chicken Breast
Making the perfect stuffed chicken starts with good ingredients. For my cheesy chicken, I use a mix of key and extra items. These make the dish tasty and pretty.
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
Here are the must-have ingredients for tasty stuffed chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The base of my stuffed chicken, tender and juicy.
- Jarred Roasted Red Peppers: They add a sweet and smoky taste that’s perfect.
- Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese makes the stuffing creamy and melty. Many like it best.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that makes the dish taste better.
- Salt and Pepper: These are key for seasoning, making the dish balanced.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavors
For more flavor, try these optional ingredients:
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley add a fresh taste.
- Spinach: A handful adds nutrition and color.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a nice aroma to the stuffing.
- Avocado Oil: It’s great in marinades, adding flavor and keeping the chicken moist.
Choosing these ingredients makes my stuffed chicken a hit. Enjoy making this tasty dish and happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Stuffed Chicken
Making a roasted red pepper and mozzarella stuffed chicken breast is fun. It’s a tasty recipe for four people. It only takes about 35 minutes to make, perfect for a quick dinner.
You’ll need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eight ounces of fresh mozzarella, one jar of twelve ounces roasted red peppers, and one-quarter cup of grated parmesan. Each ingredient makes the dish flavorful and delicious.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cover a baking dish with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for the stuffing. Make sure not to cut all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix together roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and grated parmesan until well combined.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture, ensuring that each pocket is filled generously.
- Seal the chicken by carefully pinching the edges or securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- For a gold finish, broil the chicken for an additional five minutes at the end of baking. This step will enhance the flavors and provide an appetizing look.
Remember to wash your hands often and handle raw chicken safely. This way, you can enjoy a tasty chicken dish that everyone will love. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Marinating the Chicken for Moisture and Flavor
Marinating chicken is key to juicy, flavorful chicken breasts. It makes the chicken taste better and stay moist. This is perfect for homemade stuffed chicken. Good marinade techniques make every bite unforgettable.
Best Marinade Techniques
Here are the top marinade techniques:
- Use a zip-top bag for even coating.
- Massage the marinade on the chicken.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Recommended Marinade Ingredients
Try these marinade ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of sweet or smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients make the stuffed chicken taste amazing. Proper marinating makes the chicken juicy and impressive.
Preparing the Stuffing: Roasted Red Peppers and Mozzarella
Making the stuffing for roasted red pepper & mozzarella stuffed chicken makes it special. The right ingredients are key for great taste and texture.
How to Select Quality Roasted Red Peppers
I have two choices for roasted red peppers: jarred or fresh. Jarred peppers are easy, but fresh ones let me control the taste.
- Jarred Peppers: Choose ones in water or olive oil for freshness.
- Fresh Peppers: Pick bright, firm ones. Roast them until charred, then peel and slice.
Choosing the Right Mozzarella for Stuffing
There are many mozzarellas to pick from. Fresh mozzarella is creamy and mild. Low-moisture mozzarella melts well, adding richness.
| Type of Mozzarella | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Mozzarella | Mild and creamy | For a delicate taste in gourmet chicken dinner |
| Low-Moisture Mozzarella | Rich and nutty | For cheesiness and gooey texture in cheesy chicken dish |
Using top-notch ingredients makes the stuffed chicken breasts tasty and fulfilling. The mix of roasted red peppers and mozzarella makes it a hit at any meal.
How to Cook the Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
Cooking stuffed chicken breast is fun. You need to seal it well to keep the filling inside. This makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Here’s how to do it right.
Sealing the Chicken to Keep the Stuffing Inside
First, seal the chicken breast well. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine for this. Here’s how:
- Fill the chicken breast with roasted red peppers and mozzarella, then fold it over.
- Put toothpicks on the edges to keep it closed. Or use twine and tie it tight.
- Take out the toothpicks before you serve it.
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
For the best stuffed chicken, use a two-step method. Sear it in a skillet, then bake it. This makes the outside crispy and the inside tender. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s brown.
- Put the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 16 minutes. Make sure it’s 165°F (75°C) inside.
This way, you get a juicy and tasty meal. Each piece has about 303 calories, 21.3g of fat, and 232.5g of protein. It’s a great choice for dinner.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 21.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 585.2mg |
| Sodium | 988.8mg |
| Calories | 303 |
| Protein | 232.5g |
| Servings | 4 |
| Cook Time | 16 minutes |
Serving Suggestions for a Gourmet Meal
When planning a meal with Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken, think about side dishes. These can make your meal special. They turn your stuffed chicken into a great dinner party dish.
Pairing Side Dishes with Your Stuffed Chicken
Here are some side dishes to go with your stuffed chicken:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, tossed in olive oil and herbs.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with garlic are a great match for the chicken.
- Light Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach with citrus vinaigrette is a nice contrast to the warm chicken.
- Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichokes add a tangy flavor that goes well with the chicken’s cheese and spices.
Plating Ideas for a Dinner Party
For a dinner party, make your dishes look good. Here are some ideas:
- Slice the stuffed chicken into 1/2 inch pieces and arrange them on the plate.
- Drizzle white wine gravy around the chicken for a fancy look.
- Top with fresh basil leaves or thin tomato slices for color and freshness.
- Place a small serving of roasted vegetables next to the chicken for a balanced look.
Storing Leftover Stuffed Chicken Breast
After enjoying a delicious meal of easy stuffed chicken, you might have leftovers. Storing them right keeps your chicken fresh and tasty. I’ll share tips for storing leftover chicken that keeps it good to eat.
Best Practices for Refrigeration
For short-term storage, refrigeration is best. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the chicken cool down before putting it in the fridge. This stops it from getting soggy.
- Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and stops it from smelling like other foods.
- Use an airtight container if you have one. It keeps your chicken fresh longer.
- Eat leftovers within 4 days for the best taste.
If you want to keep chicken longer, freeze it. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s great for meal prep and busy nights.
To reheat, use methods that keep it moist. Stovetop or microwave are good choices. Heat it gently to avoid drying out. Adding broth or water helps keep it juicy.
By following these easy storage tips, you can enjoy your stuffed chicken for days. This way, no bite goes to waste.
Nutrition Facts of Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is very nutritious. It has 680 calories, mostly from protein and healthy fats. This recipe is great for those who want more protein.
It has a lot of protein, 137% of what we need every day. It also has potassium and calcium, good for bones and muscles.
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving | Daily Value (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 680 | – |
| Total Fat | 14g | – |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 72% |
| Protein | 43g | 137% |
| Potassium | 833mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 584mg | 58% |
| Net Carbs | 4g | – |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 1g | – |
This dish is also full of vitamins and minerals. It has choline and copper, good for nerves and blood. It also has lots of B vitamins, helping with energy.
This healthy chicken is perfect for a balanced diet. It’s tasty and good for you. Enjoying it means you get a delicious meal that’s also nutritious.
Tips for Tailoring the Recipe to Your Taste
I love trying new flavors in my customized stuffed chicken. This recipe is easy to change. You can use turkey or chicken thighs for different tastes.
Try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a special touch. Adding fresh herbs or spices makes it even better. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, and basil pairs well with roasted red peppers.
Adding sun-dried tomatoes brings more flavor. You can also use sautéed mushrooms or squash. This recipe is great because you can use what you have.
Don’t be afraid to change the texture too. Grilling or air frying gives different tastes. Sous vide makes the meat tender. With a little creativity, you can make a dish that fits your diet.
