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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) - Toothpicks or kitchen twine You can swap mozzarella cheese for provolone or gouda. Both melt well and add rich flavor. For herbs, try parsley or arugula instead of spinach. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs in the filling. For low-carb diets, skip the tomatoes or use zucchini instead. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a bowl, mix diced mozzarella, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Set this aside. - Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create pockets. - Be careful not to cut through the other side. - Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. - Stuff each chicken breast with the filling. - Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Sear the stuffed chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. - The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. - Remove toothpicks or twine. - Garnish with fresh basil before serving. To keep your chicken juicy, choose the right cooking method. Searing the chicken first helps lock in moisture. Use medium heat to avoid burning. - Searing time: Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. - Baking: After searing, bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through while staying moist. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs and spices. Consider using: - Basil - Oregano - Thyme You can also experiment with sauces. A garlic butter sauce pairs well. A balsamic reduction adds a sweet touch. Gather these essential tools for easy preparation: - Sharp knife for cutting chicken - Medium bowl for mixing filling - Large skillet for searing - Baking dish for the oven For best results, use a heavy skillet. This helps with even cooking and browning. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mozzarella and spinach for the best flavor and texture in your stuffed chicken. Secure Properly: Ensure the chicken breasts are securely fastened with toothpicks or twine to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Perfect Sear: Searing the chicken for a few minutes on each side creates a delicious golden crust that enhances both flavor and presentation. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure the juices redistribute for a moist and tender bite. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for stuffed mozzarella chicken to mix things up. Try using provolone or gouda for a different taste. You could also use feta for a tangy twist. Mix in more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. Adding them gives the dish a fresh crunch. For low-carb or keto diets, skip the sun-dried tomatoes. Focus on using more cheese and spinach. This keeps it filling without the carbs. If you want a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese. Look for brands that melt well. Also, fresh herbs can help boost flavor without dairy. Pair your stuffed chicken with creative side dishes. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are great choices. You can also serve it on a bed of sautéed spinach for color. For meal prep, slice the chicken into pieces. This makes it easy to use in salads or wraps. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated. Store leftover stuffed mozzarella chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to four days. If you plan to eat it later, slice the chicken before storing. This helps it cool faster. To reheat, you have a few options: - Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm. - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Skillet: Heat a little olive oil in a pan. Add the chicken and cover it. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. For best results, reheat slowly. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. You can freeze stuffed mozzarella chicken. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, bake it at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes. How long does stuffed mozzarella chicken take to cook? Stuffed mozzarella chicken takes about 50 minutes to cook. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 35 minutes for cooking. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to one day before cooking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking. What should the internal temperature of the chicken be? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and not dry. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use other meats like turkey or pork. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat. Ensure it still reaches the proper internal temperature. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? You can use diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. Both options add flavor and moisture to the dish. Is it possible to make this recipe without spinach? Yes, you can skip the spinach. You can add other greens like kale or even zucchini. Just be sure to chop them finely for easy stuffing. This stuffed mozzarella chicken recipe offers tasty ingredients and easy steps. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store this dish. I shared helpful tips, variations, and answers to your questions. Now, you can enjoy delicious stuffed chicken with your favorite flavors. Keep experimenting with ingredients and new sides. This meal can impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Stuffed Mozzarella Chicken

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a hearty meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside.
  • Take the chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut through the other side.
  • Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese and spinach mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
  • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve on a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for an elegant presentation. Drizzle with balsamic reduction for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, mozzarella, spinach, stuffed