This easy stuffed chicken breast is filled with colorful roasted peppers and creamy cheese. It’s a tasty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Just stuff, bake, and enjoy. Sometimes I even serve it with rice for a complete meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing. If you can’t find them, you could also use thighs for extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take longer to cook.
Roasted Peppers: You can use jarred roasted peppers for convenience, which come ready to add. If you prefer fresh, roast your own by charring them on a grill or in the oven until the skin blisters. Then peel and slice them up!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a nice gooey texture, but provolone works great too! If you want a lower-fat option, try using a part-skim mozzarella or even some cottage cheese for extra protein.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor, but garlic powder can work if you’re in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon for a subtle taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Making sure your chicken breasts don’t dry out is key! Here are a few tips to help:
- Don’t overcook! Chicken is done when it reaches a temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- Searing before baking locks in the flavors and adds a nice crust, so be sure to give that step some attention.
Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red and yellow bell peppers, sliced (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready for your delicious chicken once you’re done prepping.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket lengthwise into the thickest part of each chicken breast. Just make sure not to slice all the way through—this is where your delicious filling will go!
3. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the roasted peppers, shredded mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic until everything is well combined. This tasty mixture will bring lots of flavor to your chicken!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Evenly stuff each chicken breast pocket with the pepper and cheese mixture. Get creative with how much you put in there, but be careful not to overfill!
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle both sides of each stuffed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. This adds a lovely crust!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese inside is melted. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This will help keep it juicy!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Then, slice and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty stuffed chicken!
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Peppers
Can I Use Fresh Bell Peppers Instead of Roasted?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh peppers, just chop them up and sauté them in a bit of olive oil with the minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender. Then, mix them into the cheese before stuffing the chicken.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Mozzarella Cheese?
No problem! Provolone, feta, or even a combination of cream cheese with herbs can be great substitutes. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on the cheese’s flavor intensity.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed chicken before baking. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
