Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the chicken to cook evenly and ensures that the stuffed filling stays warm and melted inside the chicken.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a spacious pocket for the stuffing.

Once the pockets are formed, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. This will ensure that the chicken itself is flavorful in every bite.

#### Step 3: Make the Stuffing
In a medium pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the roasted red peppers and shredded mozzarella cheese. The heat from the spinach will help melt the cheese slightly, creating a deliciously gooey filling. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra kick. Mix until well combined.

#### Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully spoon the roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing the filling evenly between them. Be generous with the stuffing—this is the heart of the dish!

Once stuffed, secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling in place during cooking.

#### Step 5: Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown. This will give the chicken a beautiful crust before it bakes.

#### Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese inside will be melted and the chicken will be perfectly cooked.

#### Step 7: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm until the chicken is ready.

#### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and carefully discard the toothpicks or twine. Plate the stuffed chicken breasts and drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top for a burst of fresh flavor.

Serve your Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, or mashed potatoes to complete this hearty meal.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
– **Flavor-Packed Filling**: The combination of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and mozzarella creates a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a filling that works in harmony with the tender chicken.
– **Healthy and Satisfying**: This dish is both delicious and nutritious. The chicken provides lean protein, while the spinach adds a dose of vitamins and minerals, and the roasted red peppers add a rich depth of flavor.
– **Elegant and Impressive**: Despite being simple to prepare, this stuffed chicken looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, making it perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a fancy weeknight meal.

### Variations:
– **Add Mushrooms**: For extra earthiness, sauté some mushrooms with the spinach and roasted peppers before stuffing the chicken.
– **Try Different Cheeses**: Swap out mozzarella for provolone, goat cheese, or feta for a unique twist.
– **Spice It Up**: If you love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling before stuffing the chicken.

### Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with your favorite side dishes. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots complement the flavors of the stuffed chicken perfectly. For a lighter option, a fresh arugula salad with a simple vinaigrette makes a delightful accompaniment.

**Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken** is an excellent way to elevate your weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make, bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this recipe for a satisfying meal that combines elegance with comfort!