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Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Roasted Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and basil, seared for a golden crust and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 495

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 200g each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Stuffing
  • 150 g jarred roasted red peppers drained and roughly chopped
  • 125 g fresh mozzarella ball drained and torn into small pieces
  • A small handful of fresh basil leaves about 15-20 leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4). Get a large, oven-safe frying pan ready. If you don't have one, have a baking dish handy.
  2. Make the Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, torn mozzarella, chopped basil, and minced garlic. Season with a small pinch of salt and pepper and mix gently to combine. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: Place a chicken breast flat on a cutting board. With your hand flat on top of it, carefully use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket into the thickest side of the breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
  4. Season Generously: In another small bowl, mix the smoked paprika and dried oregano. Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously on all sides with the seasoning mix, plus salt and pepper.
  5. Stuff the Chicken: Carefully divide the mozzarella and pepper mixture between the four chicken breasts, pushing it deep into the pockets. Don't overfill them. I find that securing the opening with a cocktail stick or two helps keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
  6. Sear for Colour and Flavour: Heat the oven-safe frying pan over a medium-high heat. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully golden brown. This step is crucial for flavour and texture.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven. If your pan isn't oven-safe, move the seared chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 74°C on a meat thermometer.
  8. Rest Before Serving: This is a key step! Remove the chicken from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is moist and tender.

Notes

Delicious served with a side of roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, or creamy polenta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.