Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

$To make Caprese stuffed chicken breast, you need some key ingredients that bring the dish to life. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs The chicken breasts should be large enough to hold the stuffing. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst of flavor, while basil adds a refreshing note. Balsamic glaze enhances the dish with a tangy sweetness. The olive oil helps to sear the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden color. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs season the chicken and stuffing just right. These ingredients work together to create a juicy and flavorful dish. When you choose fresh ingredients, you elevate the taste. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Prepping the chicken First, you need to slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket is where the tasty filling will go. Preparing the stuffing mixture In a bowl, mix together the diced fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Add the balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Stir until everything is well combined. Stuffing the chicken breasts Now, take your filling and stuff it into each pocket of the chicken breasts. Make sure to divide the mixture evenly among all four breasts. If needed, use toothpicks to seal the opening. Searing the chicken Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Baking in the oven After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Resting the chicken Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices settle back into the meat. Garnishing before serving Finally, add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze will add extra flavor and make the dish look beautiful. Enjoy your Caprese stuffed chicken breast! To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The optimal internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. To bring out more flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you want alternatives to balsamic glaze, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also mix honey with vinegar for a sweet-tangy touch. These options will make your dish even more delightful. For side dishes, a simple arugula salad pairs well. You can also serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread. Presentation matters too. Slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze and add fresh basil leaves on top. This will make your dish look as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil will elevate the flavors of the dish significantly. Don’t Overstuff: While it's tempting to pack the pockets, overstuffing can cause the chicken to split during cooking. A moderate amount ensures even cooking. Let it Rest: After baking, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the stuffing for a personalized touch, such as a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. {{image_2}} For a low-carb twist, you can use zucchini instead of chicken. Slice zucchini into thick rounds and scoop out some flesh. Stuff them with the same mozzarella and tomato mix. This makes a tasty, lighter dish. If you're watching carbs, consider cheese alternatives. Use cheese made from nuts or soy. These options are lower in carbs but still creamy and delicious. If you are gluten-free, this dish is easy to adapt. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check labels on any pre-packaged items. For those who need dairy-free meals, use dairy-free cheese. There are many options that melt well. You can also skip the cheese. Adding more tomatoes and herbs keeps the flavor strong. Want to change the flavor? You can add different vegetables to the stuffing. Spinach, bell peppers, or even artichokes work great. They add color and taste. You can also use spices or marinades to switch things up. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor! Store any leftover Caprese stuffed chicken in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Label the package with the date. Frozen chicken can last up to three months. To reheat the chicken, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Check to make sure it is juicy and hot throughout. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs are more juicy and tender than breasts. They also have more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a bit longer to cook. To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Also, let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices inside. Yes, you can prep the dish ahead! Stuff the chicken breasts and cover them. Place them in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight. Just remember to cook them when you are ready. The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F (75°C), the chicken is done. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Many sides go well with this dish! You can try: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - A fresh garden salad - Pasta with olive oil and herbs These sides will enhance the flavors of the chicken while adding variety to your meal. This guide covered everything about making Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step prep and cooking instructions, and tips for greatness. I shared variations for different diets and storage advice to keep your meal fresh. Remember to adjust flavors and presentation to wow your guests. Enjoy your cooking journey, and let the flavors shine through!$

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
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the mozzarella and tomato mixture, dividing it evenly among all four breasts. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Allow the chicken to rest before slicing for better juiciness.

Keyword balsamic, caprese, chicken, mozzarella, stuffed