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This elegant stuffed chicken dish transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The combination of vibrant roasted red peppers, nutritious spinach, and creamy cheeses creates a flavor explosion that's sure to impress even the pickiest eaters in your family.
I first created this stuffed chicken recipe when trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit to our home. The colorful presentation and rich flavors had everyone asking for seconds, and it's since become our go-to Sunday dinner when we want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts Select uniform sized breasts for even cooking time
- Olive oil Creates a beautiful golden exterior when searing
- Cajun seasoning Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming heat
- Frozen chopped spinach Using frozen is a time-saver and ensures consistent moisture
- Roasted red peppers Jarred peppers provide concentrated flavor without extra prep
- Mozzarella cheese Creates that irresistible cheese pull when served
- Ricotta cheese Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together
- Parmesan cheese Provides the savory umami element in the filling
- Heavy cream Creates richness in the sauce that coats the chicken beautifully
- Butter and flour Forms the roux base for a silky smooth sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
- Pound each breast to an even half-inch thickness using a meat mallet between plastic wrap. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier. Take your time with this step as unevenly pounded chicken will cook inconsistently.
- Season the chicken
- Combine the olive oil with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful paste. Brush this generously over both sides of each breast. The oil helps the spices adhere and creates a beautiful crust when searing.
- Mix the filling
- Thoroughly combine the drained spinach, chopped roasted peppers, half the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and beaten egg. The egg acts as a binder to keep everything together during baking. Make sure your spinach is completely squeezed dry to prevent a watery filling.
- Stuff and roll
- Spread the filling evenly across each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll tightly from the narrower end and secure with toothpicks. Ensure the filling is visible at the ends for a beautiful presentation.
- Sear the chicken
- Brown the rolled chicken on all sides in a hot skillet until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step develops flavor and helps seal in the juices before baking.
- Prepare the sauce
- Create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in broth and milk until smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened before adding cream and remaining mozzarella. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
- Bake to perfection
- Pour the cheese sauce over the seared chicken and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
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The roasted red peppers are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I grow sweet bell peppers in my garden every summer specifically to roast and freeze for this dish. The depth of flavor from home-roasted peppers compared to jarred is noticeable, but jarred peppers still create a delicious result when fresh aren't available.
Make-Ahead Options
This stuffed chicken is perfect for meal prep or entertaining because you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the chicken rolls and store them covered in the refrigerator. Make the sauce fresh just before baking for best results. If preparing ahead, you may need to add 5-7 minutes to the baking time since the chicken will be cold from the refrigerator.
Easy Substitutions
If spinach isn't your favorite, substitute with sautéed kale or Swiss chard that's been thoroughly cooled and chopped. For a lower-calorie version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce won't be quite as rich but still delicious. Fontina or provolone can replace mozzarella for a more pronounced flavor profile, and goat cheese makes a tangy alternative to ricotta that pairs beautifully with the roasted peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won't compete with its complex flavors. A light arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a fresh contrast to the rich chicken. For starches, consider roasted garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce or a simple wild rice pilaf. A crusty baguette is essential for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly cheese sauce!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Simply sauté it lightly to reduce excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.
- → What can I use as a substitute for Cajun seasoning?
If you don't have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper works well.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and bake when needed. Add the cheese sauce just before baking.
- → Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- → What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.