This Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast is filled with colorful roasted peppers and creamy cheese. It’s a tasty way to make chicken exciting for dinner!
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up! Just stuff, bake, and enjoy a delicious meal that looks impressive but takes hardly any time to make. Perfect for any night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for stuffing. If you’re looking for something different, try chicken thighs for a juicier bite or even turkey breasts as a leaner alternative.
Roasted Peppers: You can use store-bought roasted peppers for speed! If you want to roast your own, just bake sliced peppers until they’re soft. Any color works: red, yellow, or orange add sweetness and flavor. Green peppers are a bit bitter, so I’d avoid them.
Cheese: Mozzarella is your classic choice, but I also love provolone for its stronger flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider cashew cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative!
Italian Seasoning: This mix gives a wonderful flavor boost. Don’t have it? Just use parsley, oregano, and basil instead. Fresh herbs add even more flavor if you have them handy.
How Do I Perfectly Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken can be tricky, but with these simple tips, you’ll master it! First, when cutting the pocket, keep the knife flat to avoid cutting all the way through. This helps hold the filling inside.
- Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each chicken breast carefully.
- Fill just enough so you can close the opening without spilling.
- Secure with toothpicks or twine to keep the delicious filling contained while baking.
Remember to let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking for juicy meat. Enjoy stuffing with confidence!
Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 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 (or mixed herbs)
Other Essentials:
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffed chicken breast recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have an amazing dinner ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your stuffed chicken goes in, it will cook evenly and nicely!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thickest part of the breast. Be gentle and don’t cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket to hold the filling.
3. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the sliced roasted peppers, minced garlic, and shredded cheese together. This tasty mixture will be stuffed into the chicken breasts for extra flavor!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, take your filling and stuff each chicken breast pocket with an even amount. Don’t overfill; you want to be able to close them up easily.
5. Secure the Chicken:
To keep your delicious filling from spilling out during cooking, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening of each breast. Just a couple will do the trick!
6. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper all over. This adds great flavor and helps to crisp the outside.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure they have some space to cook evenly.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove any toothpicks or twine from the chicken. This is important so they don’t end up on your plate!
10. Add a Garnish:
For a colorful touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top before serving, if you desire. Now, dig in and enjoy your flavorful, juicy stuffed chicken breasts with the sweet tang of roasted peppers!
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Peppers
Can I Use Fresh Peppers Instead of Roasted Peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh peppers, just sauté them in a little olive oil until they’re soft and seasoned before using them as a filling. This will give you that delicious flavor and a tender texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave briefly until hot.
Can I Make This Recipe with Bone-In Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time; bone-in breasts will take longer to cook through, around 40-50 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
What Should I Serve with Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or a bed of pasta or rice to soak up any leftover juices. Enjoy a complete meal!
