Ingredients
Method
- Butterfly: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create a pocket. Season all over.
- Sauté: Quickly wilt spinach in a pan with a little oil; drain well.
- Stuff: Layer spinach, peppers, and mozzarella inside each breast. Secure with toothpicks.
- Sear: Brown chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side.
- Bake: Move skillet to a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes until the internal temp is 165°F.
- Rest: Remove toothpicks and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Dry the Veggies: Squeeze the sautéed spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove all water. This prevents "soggy chicken" syndrome.
- Pat Dry Chicken: Before seasoning and searing, pat the outside of the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Room Temp Cheese: Let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before stuffing; it will melt more evenly in the oven.
- Toothpick Count: Always count how many toothpicks you put in so you can ensure you’ve removed them all before serving.
- Cast Iron is Best: Using a cast-iron skillet allows you to move the dish directly from the stovetop to the oven without swapping pans.
- Don't Over-Butterfly: Stop slicing about a half-inch from the edge. If you cut all the way through, the filling will leak out during the sear.
