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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These main ingredients create a rich and fresh flavor. The mozzarella adds creaminess, while basil gives a nice herb taste. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color to your dish. Together, they make each bite special. - Spinach for extra greens - Sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor - Pesto for a herby twist - Different cheeses, like goat cheese or feta Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients. Spinach adds nutrients, while sun-dried tomatoes offer a tangy kick. Pesto can enhance the dish with its bold flavor. Experimenting with cheese can also change the taste and texture. - Sharp knife for cutting chicken - Medium bowl for mixing - Large oven-safe skillet for searing - Toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets - Meat thermometer for checking doneness Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A sharp knife helps create pockets in the chicken without tearing. The oven-safe skillet lets you sear and bake in one dish. A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked just right. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, get your chicken breasts ready. Take out four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the tasty stuffing. After that, season the chicken with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor. Now, let’s make the stuffing. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well. The fresh mozzarella melts nicely, and the tomatoes add a juicy burst. The chopped basil gives a fresh flavor to the mix. This stuffing will make the chicken so tasty. Next, we’ll cook the chicken. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step gives the chicken a nice crust. After searing, sprinkle garlic powder on top and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. Now, your Caprese stuffed chicken is ready to impress! To stuff chicken well, start by making a pocket. Use a sharp knife. Cut slowly and carefully. You want enough space for the filling. Don’t cut all the way through. This keeps the filling inside. When you mix the filling, combine the cheese, tomatoes, and basil well. This makes each bite flavorful. Stuff generously, but do not overfill. Secure the openings with toothpicks. This helps keep everything inside while cooking. Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Letting it rest for a few minutes is key. It helps the juices stay inside. This gives you a juicy and tender chicken. For a nice presentation, serve the chicken on arugula or spinach. This adds color and freshness. Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top. It adds a gourmet touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of green. These steps make your dish look as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to fill the chicken breasts to the brim, overstuffing can lead to a mess in the oven. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling. Let it Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Experiment with Variations: Feel free to customize the stuffing by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses for a unique twist on this classic dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your Caprese stuffed chicken. Instead of fresh mozzarella, try using provolone or goat cheese. Provolone adds a nice sharpness, while goat cheese gives a creamy texture. You can also use ricotta for a lighter filling. Each cheese will change the flavor and texture, making it fun to explore. If you want a vegetarian option, skip the chicken entirely. Use thick slices of eggplant or zucchini instead. Cut them into thick slabs and create a pocket just like the chicken. Stuff them with the same mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil mixture. Bake until tender. This version is delicious and colorful! For those who love a kick, add some heat to your stuffing. Mix in red pepper flakes with the mozzarella and tomatoes. You can also add minced jalapeños for a fresh spice. This twist will give your dish a bold flavor. Drizzle a bit of spicy balsamic glaze on top before serving for an extra zing! To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. For freezing, wrap each stuffed chicken breast in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. When stored properly, Caprese stuffed chicken lasts up to three days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. If it looks or smells bad, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a bit longer to cook through. Check their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Slice the stuffed chicken diagonally. This method shows off the filling nicely. Use a sharp knife to get clean cuts. This helps each slice stay together and look appealing on the plate. You can prepare the chicken a few hours in advance. Stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge. Just remember to cover them tightly. When ready to cook, sear and bake as usual. This saves time for your meal. Caprese Stuffed Chicken pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, like arugula or spinach. You can also add roasted vegetables or garlic bread. These sides enhance the meal and add balance. You learned how to make Caprese stuffed chicken with fresh flavors and easy steps. We covered key ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips for success. I shared ideas for variations to fit your taste, plus storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Now you’re ready to impress with this dish in any meal. Enjoy cooking and get creative with your flavors!

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with the mozzarella and tomato mixture, filling them generously.
  • Secure the openings of the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken and drizzle with balsamic glaze before transferring the skillet to the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the stuffed chicken on a bed of arugula or spinach and drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top for an elegant touch.
Keyword Caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed