A Weeknight Favourite: Juicy Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Greens

Hello lovely people,

It’s Tuesday, the sun is shining here in the UK (a rare treat!), and if you’re anything like me, you’re already wondering what to make for dinner. You want something comforting and delicious — but still easy enough to pull together after a long day. That’s where this dish comes in.

We’re talking juicy chicken breasts, stuffed with fresh garlic, spring onions, and creamy mozzarella, then wrapped in delicate Serrano ham that crisps up beautifully in the pan. It’s all finished in the oven and served over roasted cavolo nero and purple sprouting broccoli — garlicky, vibrant, and packed with goodness.

It’s a high-protein, low-carb, iron-rich plate that feels like comfort food but still gives your body what it needs. Think of this as a proper staple: a recipe that looks a little fancy, tastes amazing, and slots effortlessly into your weekly routine.

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Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 higher-welfare chicken breasts

• 4 garlic cloves, grated (for stuffing)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp smoky BBQ seasoning (I use the M&S one)

• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

• 4 spring onions, finely chopped

• 1 large ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 rounds

• 1 standard pack (~120g) Serrano ham, very thinly sliced

• A few sprigs of fresh thyme

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Roasted Greens:

• 200g cavolo nero, tough stems removed, leaves roughly chopped

• 200g purple sprouting broccoli

• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 spring onions, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• A few extra thyme leaves

• Salt & pepper

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Method

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, BBQ seasoning, Italian herbs, salt and pepper.

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast — like a little envelope, without cutting all the way through.

2. Season & Stuff

Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including inside the pocket. Then stuff each one with grated garlic first, followed by spring onions and two slices of mozzarella. Gently press to seal.

Wrap each chicken breast tightly with 3–4 slices of Serrano ham, tucking the seam underneath. Top with a sprig of fresh thyme and set aside.

3. Prep the Greens

Before you start cooking the chicken, toss the cavolo nero and purple sprouting broccoli in a baking dish with olive oil, sliced garlic, chopped spring onions, thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Use your hands to rub it all together. Place the dish in the oven and let the greens roast while you sear the chicken — they’ll need around 20–25 minutes in total to become beautifully crisp and tender.

4. Sear the Chicken

Heat a large ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and a little extra olive oil. Once hot and bubbling, place the wrapped chicken breasts seam-side down and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden all over.

5. Roast to Finish

Transfer the seared chicken straight into the oven (on a tray or in the same pan) and roast for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and the mozzarella is melted inside. The timing should line up with your greens, which will be slightly crisped and delicious by the time the chicken is done.

6. Serve

Let the chicken rest for a minute or two, then slice thickly. Serve over the roasted greens and drizzle with any pan juices.

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Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 480–520 kcal

• Protein: 40–45g

• Carbs: 5–8g

• Fibre: 4–5g

• Fat: 30g (mostly from olive oil, ham, and mozzarella — feel free to adjust!)

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Why It Works

• High in protein – keeps you full and supports energy throughout the day

• Low in carbs – naturally low without feeling restrictive

• Rich in iron + calcium – thanks to those leafy greens and creamy mozzarella

• Naturally gluten-free

• Balanced and satisfying – without being heavy

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I hope you give this one a try — especially while the sun’s out! It’s such a lovely plate to enjoy outside with a glass of something cold, or just to brighten up your midweek. Let me know if you make it — I’d love to hear how it goes!

With love,

Cristy