Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
If your idea of dinner bliss involves melty cheese, juicy chicken, and the vibrant flavors of Italy, you’re in for a treat with this Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast. It’s everything you love about a classic Caprese salad — creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil — all tucked inside tender chicken and finished with a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. This recipe delivers restaurant flair with weeknight ease, and the results are downright irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for stuffing — they hold everything together and stay juicy when cooked just right.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and depth.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with savory flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend brings in a hint of the Mediterranean and pairs beautifully with basil and tomato.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to creamy perfection inside the chicken for that signature Caprese stretch.
- Tomato: Choose a ripe, juicy tomato for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil adds brightness and an unmistakable Italian aroma — don’t skip it!
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden brown and adds richness.
- Balsamic Glaze: A finishing drizzle ties all the flavors together with tangy sweetness.
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side. Be gentle and don’t cut all the way through — you want a little envelope for all that Caprese goodness!
Step 2: Season Generously
Lay your chicken breasts flat and sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple seasoning mix infuses every bite with flavor and makes the chicken anything but bland.
Step 3: Stuff with Caprese Magic
Now for the fun part! Tuck a few slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves into each pocket. Don’t be shy — the more you can fit, the more decadent your Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast will be. If your breasts are a little overstuffed (no shame in that), secure them closed with toothpicks.
Step 4: Sear for Golden Goodness
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden. This step locks in the juices and adds irresistible color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F internally. The cheese will be gooey, the tomatoes soft, and the basil perfectly wilted.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
Let your Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite tender. Just before serving, drizzle generously with balsamic glaze for that signature tangy-sweet finish.
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Garnishes
For a truly restaurant-worthy presentation, sprinkle extra fresh basil over the top and add a few twists of cracked black pepper. If you love color, a scattering of halved cherry tomatoes or a light dusting of flaky sea salt makes each plate pop.
Side Dishes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even creamy garlic mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things light, try a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For something more hearty, a side of herbed quinoa or rice works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get a little playful! Slice each chicken breast on a diagonal and fan the pieces out on a platter for a dramatic effect. Serve over a bed of baby greens for added freshness, or drizzle extra balsamic glaze in artistic swirls across the plate to make dinner feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out. A quick splash of chicken broth in the pan can help keep things juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are traditional for this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used if you prefer a juicier cut. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may cook a bit faster.
What’s the best way to keep the stuffing from falling out?
Securing the opening with toothpicks after stuffing does wonders. Just remember to remove them before serving! If you overstuff, try to gently press the filling inside rather than forcing the chicken closed too tightly.
Can I make Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge, then sear and bake when you’re ready to eat. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
For a dairy-free twist, you can use your favorite plant-based mozzarella or simply omit the cheese and add extra tomato and basil for fresh flavor. The balsamic glaze will still bring everything together beautifully.
Can I grill Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast instead of baking?
Definitely! Sear the stuffed chicken on a hot grill for a couple of minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and cover until fully cooked. The smoky flavor from the grill is a delicious bonus.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of mozzarella, tomato, and basil, and when you wrap it all up in juicy chicken, it’s impossible not to fall in love. I hope you’ll give Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast a try and make it a new favorite at your table. Happy cooking!
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Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves. Sear the chicken to a golden brown and finish baking in the oven for a flavorful, low-carb, gluten-free main course drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Stuffing
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through, creating space for the stuffing.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil leaves. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed to hold the stuffing in place.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared stuffed chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the chicken with balsamic glaze before serving for added sweetness and tang.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil before stuffing and cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
