Juicy Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
A quick and easy Italian-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, finished with a garlic balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Toothpicks (for securing chicken pockets)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Pound to even thickness if needed.
- Stuff each chicken pocket with slices of fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Do not overstuff.
- Secure the openings with toothpicks and season the outside with salt, pepper, and optional dried Italian herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the balsamic glaze.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken in the skillet and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted.
- Remove chicken from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking and easier stuffing. Use toothpicks to secure the pockets to prevent cheese from leaking. Sear chicken before baking to lock in juices and add flavor. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese that melts well. Balsamic glaze can be basted during baking if it thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken br
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 68
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy dinner, Italian recipe, weeknight meal