Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced into small cubes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, plus extra for drizzling - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary) When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly. Fresh mozzarella gives a creamy texture. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, use low-moisture mozzarella for a similar taste. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, so pick ripe ones for the best flavor. Fresh basil is key; it brings a bright taste. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped herbs can work, but fresh is always better. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of richness. You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stove until it thickens. You can swap chicken breasts for turkey cutlets for a leaner option. For a lighter dish, try zucchini or eggplant slices instead of chicken. Instead of mozzarella, use goat cheese for a tangy twist. If you prefer a different herb, try parsley or cilantro. For added spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Lastly, use any vinegar if balsamic isn’t on hand; red wine vinegar works well too. {{ingredient_image_2}} The process to make Caprese stuffed chicken is simple and fun. You start by preparing your chicken breasts, then fill them with a tasty mix of cheese, tomatoes, and herbs. After that, you sear the chicken for flavor and bake it until it’s juicy and cooked through. 1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat while you prep the chicken. 2. Prepare the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and make a pocket in the thickest side. Do not cut all the way through; keep one edge intact. 3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together: - 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese - 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes - 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs Stir until everything is well mixed. 1. Fill the Chicken: Stuff each chicken pocket with the mozzarella and tomato mix. If needed, use toothpicks to close the openings. 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. 3. Bake the Chicken: Move the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 4. Rest and Serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Slice the chicken to show off the filling, and drizzle with more balsamic glaze. Enjoy this tasty dish! To ensure your chicken stays juicy, start with good quality meat. Look for fresh, plump chicken breasts. When you slice the pocket, do it carefully. Leave one edge intact to hold the filling. Season the chicken well on the outside. Use sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Searing the chicken helps lock in moisture and adds flavor. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This step is key to getting a nice golden crust. Balsamic glaze is a star in this dish. It adds a sweet and tangy touch. Use extra virgin olive oil when searing; it brings richness to the chicken. Fresh mozzarella gives a creamy texture. Cherry tomatoes provide sweetness and freshness. Don't skip the fresh basil; it adds a burst of herbal flavor. For a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Another mistake is under-seasoning. Make sure to season both the chicken and the filling well. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing; this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Lastly, don’t cut into the chicken right away. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep the juices inside. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your Caprese stuffed chicken will greatly improve with the use of fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Always opt for the freshest produce you can find. Tip Title: Secure the Filling: If you're worried about the filling spilling out during cooking, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts. Just remember to remove them before serving! Tip Title: Let it Rest: Allowing the stuffed chicken to rest for five minutes after baking is crucial. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Tip Title: Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to personalize the filling by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different cheeses to elevate the dish even further! {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. While fresh mozzarella gives a creamy bite, you might try provolone for a sharper taste. Goat cheese adds a tangy kick, which pairs well with the tomatoes. For something stronger, try feta. It adds a salty flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you prefer a meatless meal, this recipe can adapt easily. Instead of chicken, use large portobello mushrooms. They are hearty and have a nice texture. Fill the mushrooms with the same mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil mix. You can also use eggplant slices for a unique twist. Grill them first to add a smoky flavor. Adjusting flavors can make this dish even better. For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for added depth. If you want a zestier flavor, include lemon zest in the filling. These small changes can elevate your Caprese stuffed chicken to new heights. To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, wait for it to cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal later. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Heat it in short bursts, checking to avoid overcooking. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the stuffed chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake Caprese stuffed chicken for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. This baking time allows the chicken to cook through while keeping the filling warm and flavorful. Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken ahead of time. Store the stuffed chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Caprese stuffed chicken pairs nicely with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. - Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up flavors. - Quinoa or rice for a hearty addition. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the chicken for a complete meal! This blog post covered everything you need to make Caprese Stuffed Chicken. We looked at the ingredients, their best uses, and ways to swap them out. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the cooking process. You learned tips for juicy chicken and flavor boosts. Variations offer different cheeses and veggie swaps. Finally, we discussed storing leftovers and reheating methods. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy your cooking!$

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

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

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced into small cubes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, plus extra for drizzling
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before baking the chicken.
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the thickest side, being cautious to leave one edge intact to hold the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Drizzle in the balsamic glaze and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the dried Italian herbs. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well incorporated and evenly coated with the glaze.
Generously fill each chicken pocket with the mozzarella and tomato mixture, ensuring an even distribution across all four chicken breasts. If necessary, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling snug.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the outside of the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, and a light dusting of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Sear each stuffed chicken breast in the hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust.
Once seared, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period will help retain the juices and enhance the flavor.
For serving, slice each chicken breast to reveal the delicious filling, and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Keyword Caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed