This delicious stuffed chicken breast is filled with vibrant roasted peppers and gooey cheese. It’s a simple dish that looks fancy, perfect for impressing your guests!
I love how juicy the chicken stays inside. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Serve it with a salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s colorful and tasty! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey cutlets instead.
Roasted Peppers: You can use jarred roasted peppers if fresh ones aren’t available. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasting your own peppers for added flavor!
Creamy Cheese: Mozzarella is great for that gooey texture, but feel free to swap it for provolone or even feta for a tangy twist. Cream cheese also works well to create a creamy stuffing.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice touch, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. I prefer using fresh because it has a stronger flavor.
How Do I Properly Butterfly Chicken Breasts?
Butterflying your chicken breast creates the perfect pocket for stuffing. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
- With a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, stopping just before you cut all the way through.
- Open it like a book, ensuring there’s enough room for your filling.
Taking your time with this step will create a delicious stuffed chicken that holds all the flavors!
Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red and yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken.
2. Butterfly the Chicken
Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side to create a pocket. Make sure not to cut all the way through so that you can fill it!
3. Season the Chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously on both the inside and outside of each chicken breast. This adds great flavor!
4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the roasted bell peppers and minced garlic. This colorful mix will bring lots of flavor to your dining table!
5. Stuff the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Stuff each chicken breast pocket with a generous amount of the roasted pepper mixture and a good helping of shredded cheese. If you’d like, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep everything inside.
6. Sear the Chicken
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve
Carefully remove the toothpicks, garnish with fresh basil if you’d like, and serve your stuffed chicken warm. Enjoy every bite!
Let me know if you enjoyed making this dish!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Bell Peppers?
Absolutely! You can substitute bell peppers with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to chop them finely and pre-cook any vegetables that have a lot of moisture before stuffing to avoid sogginess.
Can I Prepare the Stuffed Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken breasts a few hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. If you prep them the night before, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for even results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the stuffed chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
