Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast bursting with a vibrant filling of sweet roasted red pepper, tender spinach, and gooey mozzarella. This Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary weeknight into a celebration—comforting, flavorful, and decadent, all at once. The melty cheeses, creamy sauce, and pops of color make every bite genuinely irresistible. If you’ve been searching for a new go-to chicken recipe that’s both impressive and totally achievable, you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken comes from a handful of wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating layers of flavor, a silky texture, and a truly eye-catching presentation.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these become deliciously tender when pounded thin and stuffed.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
• Cajun seasoning: Delivers a gentle kick and deep flavor to the exterior.
• Garlic powder: For that mellow, savory backdrop we all crave in comfort food.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth and beautiful color.
• Salt & black pepper: Enhance and balance all the other flavors.
• Frozen chopped spinach: Nutritious and earthy, this adds moisture and an appealing green color.
• Roasted red peppers: Sweet, tangy, and vibrant, they bring brightness to every bite.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesiness.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it helps create a luscious filling.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge to the filling.
• Large egg: Binds the filling together for the perfect texture.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, silky, and restaurant-worthy.
• Butter: Gives the sauce a luxurious flavor while helping to sear the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy sauce to coat every bite beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Infuses moisture and savory depth into the sauce.
• Milk: Lightens the sauce while keeping it creamy.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

First things first: you want those chicken breasts to be super tender and easy to roll. Lay each one between two sheets of plastic wrap, then gently pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness. This not only makes stuffing easier, but also ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Season to Perfection

Mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush this fragrant, flavorful mixture generously over both sides of the chicken. It’s a simple step that adds so much depth and keeps each bite far from ordinary.

Step 3: Create the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your well-drained spinach, chopped roasted red peppers, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and looks vibrant. The mixture should be moist but not runny, holding together nicely for rolling.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Chicken

Spoon a quarter of the filling across the surface of each chicken breast. Roll them up tightly, tucking in the sides as needed to keep all that deliciousness inside. Secure each roll with a toothpick or two to help everything stay put during searing and baking.

Step 5: Sear for Color (and Flavor!)

Heat butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken rolls and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives the outside that irresistible caramelized finish.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook for a minute to make a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly until you have a smooth sauce. Simmer until it thickens slightly, then stir in the heavy cream and the rest of your mozzarella until melted and silky. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Combine and Bake

Pour the cheese sauce over the seared chicken rolls in your skillet (or a baking dish). Transfer to your preheated 400°F oven. Let the Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and everything is bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for five minutes before serving. Don’t forget to remove those toothpicks!

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil really wakes up the flavors and adds a lovely pop of green against the creamy cheese sauce. For an extra impressive finish, try a dusting of extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think simply steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlicky couscous are perfect for soaking up extra sauce, too!

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken truly shine, slice each roll on a diagonal and fan the pieces on a platter, spooning more cheese sauce over the top. Serve atop a small bed of sautéed greens or herby rice for a restaurant-worthy plate. You can even make mini versions with chicken tenders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken will stay juicy and the sauce will keep its luscious texture, making it perfect for quick lunches or a savory snack.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed, uncooked chicken rolls for up to two months—just wrap tightly and tuck in a freezer bag before the searing step. If you’ve already baked the dish, let it cool completely and freeze in single portions with extra sauce. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered ovenproof dish at 325°F until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems thick. You can also microwave individual portions, being careful not to overcook the chicken—just heat in short bursts and stir the sauce for best results.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then drain and squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it to the filling. Fresh spinach can give an even brighter green color and fresh flavor.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

Yes, if ricotta isn’t your favorite or you don’t have any on hand, try cottage cheese (well-drained) or a bit of cream cheese for a slightly tangier twist. Either will keep that creamy texture in the filling.

Can I make Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble and fill the chicken rolls up to a day in advance, cover them, and keep them in the fridge until ready to sear and bake. The flavors only get better as they meld together.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem—just sear the chicken rolls in any skillet, then transfer them to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish before pouring over the cheese sauce and baking. You’ll get the same delicious result!

Is this recipe gluten free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, which does contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend or use cornstarch (use half the amount and dissolve in cold broth or milk before adding). Everything else in Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is naturally gluten free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both stunning and simple, give Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken a try! It’s one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to wow your guests (or just your family around the table) and makes weekday meals feel wonderfully special. Go ahead—roll up your sleeves and make something delicious tonight!

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