Print

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 96 reviews

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.

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