Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Glaze Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Season the chicken: Generously season each chicken breast inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build flavor.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the roughly chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and mozzarella cheese, mixing gently but thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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