Go Back
- 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the chicken) To create your Caprese stuffed chicken, gather these fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts are the main part, and they hold the tasty stuffing. I use fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. I love adding fresh basil for a fragrant touch that brightens the dish. The balsamic glaze brings a nice tangy flavor, while olive oil helps the chicken brown nicely. You will need garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add depth to the flavor. Finally, use salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the chicken stuffed and secure while cooking. With these simple ingredients, you can make a flavorful meal that impresses anyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab your chicken breasts. Lay them flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice a pocket into each breast. Do this gently so you don’t cut all the way through. Now, let’s make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of diced fresh mozzarella, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and half a cup of chopped basil leaves. Drizzle two tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the mix. Stir it all together until well combined. Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats up, rub each stuffed chicken breast with two tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper on both sides. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about three to four minutes per side. You want them golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This step is key for juicy chicken. While resting, the juices will redistribute. Once rested, carefully remove any toothpicks or twine. For the final touch, slice the chicken breasts open. You will see the beautiful caprese filling inside. Enjoy your meal! To make the stuffing shine, balance the flavors. Use fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. This mix creates a fresh taste. Add balsamic glaze for a hint of tang. To avoid spills, secure the chicken well. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside. This step is key to keeping your dish neat and tidy. Searing the chicken first gives it a nice crust. This step locks in juices and adds flavor. After searing, bake the chicken to finish cooking through. This method ensures all parts cook evenly. For even cooking, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This check takes the guesswork out of cooking. Pair your Caprese stuffed chicken with fresh salad or roasted veggies. A side of garlic bread works well too. For a beautiful dish, slice the chicken on a diagonal. Show off the colorful filling. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for added flair. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. This will enhance the overall taste of your dish. Secure the Chicken Well: Ensure the chicken pockets are tightly secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the delicious filling from spilling out while cooking. Searing is Key: Searing the chicken breasts before baking locks in the juices and adds a wonderful golden crust. Don't skip this step! Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat when sliced. {{image_2}} You can switch ingredients to mix things up. Instead of fresh mozzarella, try using goat cheese or feta. Both cheeses offer a different taste and texture. You can also swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers. These can bring new flavors to your dish. Seasonal ingredients can add a fresh twist. For spring, add spinach and artichokes to your stuffing. In fall, consider using roasted pumpkin or squash. These changes keep the dish exciting and fun. If you are watching carbs, you can make a low-carb version. Use zucchini noodles instead of chicken. This keeps the flavor but cuts down on carbs. For gluten-free options, ensure your seasoning and sauces are certified gluten-free. You can also use almond flour to coat the chicken. This will give it a nice crunch without gluten. You have choices when cooking this dish. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor. It also adds a nice char to the outside. If you prefer a tender dish, baking is your best bet. Baking keeps the chicken moist while cooking through evenly. Both methods are tasty, so try both and find your favorite. To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. - Freezing Stuffed Chicken: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the stuffed chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your leftover chicken, reheating is key. Here are the best methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. - Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil or broth. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. Using these methods helps you enjoy your Caprese stuffed chicken as if it was just made! You can check if the chicken is done by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken; the juices should run clear, not pink. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes cooking easier on busy days. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. If you don't have balsamic glaze, here are some tasty substitutes: - Regular balsamic vinegar: Drizzle it on before serving. - Honey or maple syrup: For a sweet touch, mix with vinegar. - Pesto: This adds a fresh twist and pairs well with the stuffing. These options keep the dish flavorful and fun! In this post, we explored how to make a tasty stuffed chicken dish. You learned about choosing fresh ingredients and preparing a delightful stuffing. I shared step-by-step tips on cooking and serving your dish for the best results. Remember, letting the chicken rest enhances flavor and juiciness. Experiment with different ingredients to make your dish unique. Follow the storage and reheating tips to enjoy leftovers without losing taste. With these ideas, you can create a satisfying meal every time. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your 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, and balsamic glaze. Mix until well combined.
  • Spoon the caprese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket.
  • Secure the opening of each chicken breast with toothpicks or tie them with kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
  • Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on all sides.
  • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks or twine.
  • Slice the chicken breasts to reveal the beautiful caprese filling.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing for better presentation.
Keyword balsamic, caprese, chicken, mozzarella, stuffed