Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Caprese Stuffed Chicken is a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors, combining juicy chicken breasts with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This dish is both flavorful and visually appealing, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

The image shows three pieces of chicken breasts sliced and layered with red tomato slices and white melted cheese, arranged evenly between each chicken slice. Dark balsamic glaze is drizzled over the tops, adding a shiny and thick texture. Green basil leaves are scattered on and around the chicken, adding a fresh touch. The chicken pieces rest on a dark, grilled metal surface with grill marks visible underneath. One piece is being lifted by a silver spatula, showing the layered structure clearly. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (plus more for drizzle after baking)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed, approx. 6-8 ounces each)
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes (halved lengthwise then thinly sliced to make half-moon shape slices)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced thin, then cut in half to make half-moon shape slices)
  • 1 cup large basil leaves (cut in half, plus more for garnish if desired)
  • Balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor. Remove the chicken from the marinade before baking and discard the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Step 3: Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make 4 deep cuts about ½ inch apart across the top of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. To avoid cutting through, place chopsticks on either side of the chicken as a guide for your knife.
  4. Step 4: Stuff each cut with a slice of tomato, a slice of mozzarella, and a basil leaf.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and garnish with extra basil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor and melt.
  • Try adding thin slices of prosciutto inside the cuts for extra savory taste.
  • Substitute the Roma tomatoes with heirloom tomatoes for a colorful variation.
  • If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove until thickened for a homemade drizzle.

Storage

Store leftover Caprese Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, to preserve the texture of the cheese and chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows three pieces of grilled chicken breast sliced partially in a layered style, each layer filled with bright red tomato slices and melted white mozzarella cheese. Dark green basil leaves are tucked between the layers and scattered on top. The chicken has a grilled texture with light browning, and there is a shiny dark balsamic glaze drizzled over the whole dish. Everything is on a rustic dark grill pan with grill marks visible. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, stuff the chicken breasts just before baking to keep the ingredients fresh.

What can I serve with Caprese Stuffed Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Print

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Caprese Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts stuffed with fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil, inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. Marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and Italian seasonings, then oven-baked to perfection, this recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.

  • Author: Nethan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 1/3 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar (plus more for drizzle after baking)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed, approx. 68 ounces each)
  • 2 Medium Roma tomatoes (halved lengthwise then thinly sliced to make half-moon shape slices)
  • 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella (sliced thin, then cut in half to make half-moon shape slices)
  • 1 cup Large basil leaves (cut in half, plus more for garnish if desired)
  • Balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This flavorful marinade will tenderize and season the chicken.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate. Before assembly, remove chicken from marinade and discard any remaining liquid.
  3. Preheat oven and prepare baking tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  4. Slice the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make 4 deep cuts about ½ inch apart crosswise along the top of each breast, being sure not to cut all the way through. To avoid cutting through, place chopsticks on either side of the breast as a guide.
  5. Stuff the chicken: Insert a slice of tomato, mozzarella, and half a basil leaf into each cut, evenly distributing the stuffing inside the chicken breasts for balanced flavor in every bite.
  6. Bake the stuffed chicken: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
  7. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired and garnish with extra chopped basil leaves for freshness before serving. Enjoy your delicious Caprese Stuffed Chicken!

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor, but no more than 24 hours to avoid over-tenderizing.
  • Use a sharp knife and chopsticks as a safety guide to prevent cutting all the way through the chicken breasts when making slits.
  • Substitute fresh mozzarella with low-moisture mozzarella if desired for less moisture release during baking.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
  • Balsamic glaze can be substituted with a balsamic reduction or omitted for a lighter dish.

Keywords: Caprese stuff chicken, stuffed chicken breast recipe, Italian stuffed chicken, baked stuffed chicken, Caprese chicken with basil, mozzarella and tomato, healthy chicken recipe

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