Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

$- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing The main star of this dish is the boneless skinless chicken breasts. They are easy to handle and cook evenly. The cherry tomatoes add a bright pop of flavor. Fresh mozzarella brings a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Fresh basil leaves give your dish a lovely aroma and taste. You’ll also want balsamic glaze. It adds a sweet tanginess that pairs well with the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil is key for cooking and adds richness. Garlic enhances the overall flavor with its bold presence. Italian seasoning blends the herbs and spices for a warm note. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, toothpicks or kitchen twine will help keep the stuffing inside the chicken as it cooks. This combination of ingredients makes for a flavorful dinner delight that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the chicken just right. - Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Carefully slice each one horizontally to make a pocket. Don't cut all the way through. Leave the base intact. - In a bowl, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped basil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. - Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture into the pockets of each chicken breast. Make sure each pocket is filled well. This adds great flavor. - Close the openings gently. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure them. This stops the stuffing from spilling out when cooking. - Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. - After browning, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the chicken. - Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). - Once done, take the skillet out and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine carefully. - For serving, drizzle any juices over the chicken slices. Add fresh basil leaves for color and taste. To ensure your chicken cooks through, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you cut into the chicken, juices should run clear, not pink. For a perfect sear, heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. Use medium-high heat and add oil once the pan is hot. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds great flavor and texture. For a stunning plate, serve the chicken on a large platter. Surround it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color. You can drizzle balsamic glaze around the chicken for a nice touch. When serving, slice the chicken to show off the vibrant filling. Drizzle any remaining juices over the top. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor. Marinating your chicken can take the taste to another level. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs works wonders. Let the chicken soak in this blend for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Great sides to serve with Caprese Stuffed Chicken include a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also complements this dish nicely. Consider adding a light pasta dish for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor in your Caprese stuffed chicken. Don’t Overstuff: While it may be tempting to add lots of filling, be careful not to overstuff the chicken to avoid spillage during cooking. Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result. Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the filling for a personalized touch that enhances the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese and tomatoes in this dish. Try burrata instead of mozzarella. It adds creaminess. For a twist, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh ones. They give a rich flavor. Herbs can also change the taste. Instead of basil, use parsley or thyme. These herbs bring a new taste to your dish. A mix of herbs can also work well. You can grill or bake the chicken. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Bake it in the oven for a juicy result. Both methods cook the chicken well. If you prefer, use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. These methods keep the chicken tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time. Slow cooker may take longer, while the Instant Pot cooks quickly. For gluten-free meals, this recipe works well. All the ingredients are gluten-free. Just check labels on your balsamic glaze. You can make it low-carb by skipping the glaze. Serve it with a salad instead of bread. If you're looking for vegan options, replace the chicken. Use large mushrooms or eggplant slices. Stuff them with the same filling for a tasty dish. To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label your containers with the date for easy tracking. For the best taste, reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps it juicier. You can freeze the stuffed chicken before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. If freezing after cooking, let it cool first. Then, follow the same wrapping steps. Always label with the date. Cook Caprese stuffed chicken breast at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. This time ensures the chicken cooks through. You want it to reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Cooking times may vary by oven, so check for doneness. A golden-brown crust will also show it’s ready. Yes, you can prepare Caprese stuffed chicken ahead of time. Stuff the chicken and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This method saves time on busy nights. Just remember to take it out 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Pair Caprese stuffed chicken with fresh salads or roasted veggies. A light arugula salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is also a great option. You might enjoy pairing it with pasta tossed in olive oil. A side of rice can soak up the delicious juices too. Make your meal colorful and balanced! Caprese stuffed chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish. We explored its key ingredients, like chicken, mozzarella, and basil. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for a perfect meal. Variations allow you to customize flavors and methods. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and I answered common questions to guide you. Enjoy this delicious dish and make it your own!$

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 package toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for cooking your chicken.
Prepare the chicken breasts: Place them on a cutting board and carefully slice horizontally into the side of each breast to create a pocket. Make sure not to cut all the way through; the base should remain intact to hold the filling.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, chopped fresh basil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until well mixed, creating a vibrant and flavorful filling.
Generously spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring each one is well filled to optimize the flavors.
To secure the stuffing, gently close the openings of the chicken breasts and use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold them shut, preventing any of the delicious filling from spilling out during cooking.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts, searing them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Once browned, sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken breasts for an added depth of flavor. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then, remove the toothpicks or twine with care to avoid any injury.
For serving, drizzle any remaining juices from the skillet over the sliced chicken. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra balsamic glaze for drizzling.

Keyword caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed chicken