Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze Recipe
This Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese. The chicken is seared to a golden brown, then baked with a sweet and tangy garlic honey glaze, resulting in a glossy and delicious entrée perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Stuffed Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Sweet Garlic Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through to create space for the filling.
- Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build a flavorful base.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the roughly chopped spinach, sliced roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and mozzarella cheese until evenly combined.
- Stuff the chicken: Gently press the filling inside each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure and keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and aromatic.
- Prepare the glaze: While searing, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Add glaze and aromatics: Pour the prepared glaze over the seared chicken in the skillet. Add the butter, minced garlic cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) directly into the pan.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese inside is melted.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, spoon the sweet garlic glaze over the chicken once more. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve hot for a glossy, flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Be careful when slicing the chicken pockets to avoid cutting all the way through.
- To ensure the filling stays inside, secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks if needed.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the chicken from stove to oven.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after baking before serving for juicier results.
Keywords: stuffed chicken, spinach and mozzarella, garlic glaze, baked chicken, easy dinner, chicken breast, stuffed chicken recipe