Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze is a flavorful, cheesy main dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory vegetable and cheese filling. Finished with a sweet and garlicky glaze, it’s an impressive yet easy meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 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
• 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)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build flavor.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and mozzarella until evenly mixed.
4. Step 4: Stuff each chicken breast with the filling, pressing gently. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
5. Step 5: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fragrant.
6. Step 6: While searing, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Pour this glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) directly into the pan.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven, spoon the sweet garlic glaze over the chicken again, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamy, melty texture or shredded mozzarella for easier stuffing.
• Roasted red peppers can be replaced with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• To prevent the filling from spilling out, secure the chicken pockets with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside the filling for a mild kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat covered to keep the chicken moist and avoid drying out the glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. When ready, sear and bake as directed. Just be sure to cook within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

What can I serve with this stuffed chicken?

This chicken pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

This Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze is a flavorful, juicy baked chicken dish featuring a cheesy spinach and roasted red pepper filling. The chicken breasts are seasoned, stuffed, seared for a golden crust, and finished with a sweet and garlicky honey-soy glaze, making it a perfect elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the 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

For the 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

For the 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)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through so the filling can stay inside.
2. Season the chicken: Generously season each chicken breast inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build flavor.
3. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the roughly chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and mozzarella cheese, mixing gently but thoroughly.
4. Stuff the chicken: Stuff each pocket with the filling, pressing gently to secure it inside. Use toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from falling out.
5. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and it smells aromatic.
6. Make the glaze: While searing, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Once chicken is seared, pour the glaze over it in the skillet. Add the butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) directly into the pan.
7. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
8. Finish and serve: After baking, spoon the sweet garlic glaze over the chicken once more, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot for a glossy, flavorful meal.

Notes

• If you don’t have roasted red peppers, you can use jarred or fire-roasted peppers for extra flavor.
• Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets if the filling tends to fall out during searing or baking.
• To check doneness, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: stuffed chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, mozzarella stuffed chicken, garlic glaze chicken, baked chicken breast, easy dinner recipes, chicken recipes