Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that is surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, savory mixture of roasted red peppers, feta, and cream cheese. It’s a dish that looks and tastes gourmet but comes together with minimal fuss.
If you’re searching for a chicken dinner that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress, you’ve found it. This stuffed chicken breast recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or even meal prepping for the week. Let’s dive in!
Why This Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another boring chicken recipe. It’s a culinary experience designed for the enthusiastic home cook. The smoky sweetness of the roasted red peppers pairs beautifully with the tangy feta and creamy cheese filling, all wrapped in a perfectly seasoned and seared chicken breast. It’s a low-carb, high-protein option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The filling is the star of the show, creating a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Simple to Prepare: With just a few simple steps—mix, stuff, sear, and bake—you can have this dish on the table in under an hour.
- Perfectly Juicy: Our technique of searing first and then baking ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red filling creates a beautiful cross-section that will wow anyone you serve it to.
The Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this dish comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
- Chicken Breasts: Look for large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This gives you plenty of room to create a pocket for the delicious filling.
- Jarred Roasted Red Peppers: These provide a deep, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor. Make sure to pat them dry to avoid a watery filling.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy base of our filling. Use full-fat for the richest texture and flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy counterpoint to the cream cheese.
- Fresh Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild, earthy flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper is all you need to make the chicken shine.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to a perfect golden-brown.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Stuffed Chicken
Follow these simple instructions to create the most delicious Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken. We’ll walk you through it from start to finish.
1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Place a chicken breast on a cutting board, and 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. Season the inside and outside of each breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is well combined. This vibrant and creamy mixture is the heart of our Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken.
3. Stuff and Secure
Carefully spoon the red pepper and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Don’t be afraid to pack it in there, but avoid overstuffing to the point where it’s spilling out excessively. If needed, you can secure the opening with a couple of toothpicks to keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
4. Sear for Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden-brown. This step is crucial for locking in the juices and building flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the oven-safe skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Stuffed Chicken
Want to elevate your stuffed chicken from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Bring Cheeses to Room Temp: Allow your cream cheese and feta to sit out for about 20-30 minutes before mixing. This makes creating a smooth, lump-free filling much easier.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken in a hot pan before baking is the secret to a golden-brown crust and an incredibly juicy interior.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked—not dry, not undercooked—is to use an instant-read thermometer.
- Let It Rest: This is a non-negotiable step! Resting the chicken for 5-10 minutes before slicing is crucial for juicy results.
What to Serve with Your Stuffed Chicken
This Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken is a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, try serving it with some delicious Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes (coming soon). A side of steamed asparagus or some Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts would also be fantastic. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is perfect.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This dish is great for leftovers! Store any extra stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Absolutely. After searing, you can cook the stuffed chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Don’t overstuff the chicken pocket. After stuffing, you can pinch the edges to seal or secure the opening with a couple of toothpicks. Searing also helps create a crust that holds the filling in.
The most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling). It is done when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
This recipe is very flexible! You could substitute the feta with goat cheese, Boursin, or shredded mozzarella. Each will provide a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy our reader-favorite creamy Boursin Chicken. It’s another simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken (Juicy & Easy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast. Season chicken inside and out with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, feta cheese, chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the filling mixture evenly into the pockets of each chicken breast. If necessary, secure the opening with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for keeping it juicy.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking.
Tip 3: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary to get a perfect golden crust.
We hope you love this Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken recipe as much as we do! It’s a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you make it, please let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share a photo on Pinterest!
