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To make Caprese stuffed chicken breast, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano These ingredients create a flavorful and juicy dish that bursts with fresh taste. You can enhance the dish with a few optional ingredients: - Fresh spinach for extra greens - Red pepper flakes for heat - Parmesan cheese for a savory kick - Lemon zest for brightness Adding these can change the taste and make it your own. If you need to swap some items, here are some ideas: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Try goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist. - Use any herb you love, like parsley or thyme. - Substitute balsamic glaze with a homemade reduction for a fresh touch. These substitutions keep the dish exciting and tailored to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prepare the chicken. Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully butterfly each breast. Slice it horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. This creates a pocket for the filling. Make sure the pocket is deep enough to hold the delicious mixture. Now, let's make the Caprese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder Mix everything well until it is nicely combined. This filling brings fresh flavors to your chicken. Next, it’s time to cook the chicken. First, stuff each chicken pocket with the Caprese filling. Pack it in tightly. If you need to, use toothpicks to secure the openings. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When it’s done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic glaze before serving. Enjoy this flavorful and juicy dish! To keep your chicken moist, start with good quality meat. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking. Butterfly each breast to create a pocket. This helps hold in the stuffing. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet first. This gives it a nice brown crust. After searing, bake it in the oven to finish cooking. Let the chicken rest before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity. Basil gives a fragrant touch. Mix these well before stuffing. Add balsamic glaze for a tangy kick. Season your filling with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This enhances all the flavors. Taste the filling before stuffing the chicken. Use a large oven-safe skillet for this recipe. It helps sear and bake the chicken evenly. A sharp knife is key for butterflying the chicken breast. Make sure to have a meat thermometer handy. This tool ensures the chicken reaches 165°F. It helps prevent overcooking. A good cutting board makes prep easy and safe. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Always opt for the freshest produce you can find. Secure Your Filling: If you're worried about the stuffing spilling out, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts after stuffing them. This will help keep everything intact while cooking. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful. Experiment with Herbs: While basil is traditional, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley for a unique twist on this classic dish. {{image_2}} You can easily add spinach to the Caprese stuffing. Spinach gives a nice color and boosts nutrients. Just chop about one cup of fresh spinach and mix it with the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The added greens create a lovely balance with the cheese. This change adds flavor and makes it feel light. If you need a gluten-free dish, you can skip the balsamic glaze or choose a gluten-free brand. For a low-carb option, you can replace the chicken with zucchini or eggplant. Slice them thick and stuff them like chicken. This keeps the taste bold while being friendly to your diet. To give your dish a twist, try adding different herbs. You can use thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro for a unique taste. Swap the basil in the original recipe for these herbs. Each herb will change the flavor profile, making it exciting and different every time you cook it. To keep leftover Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down first. This helps prevent moisture loss. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, do not add the balsamic glaze yet. You can freeze this dish for later use. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. This way, you know when to use it. The chicken can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives a better texture. Just heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently. The best type of chicken for this dish is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and create a great pocket for stuffing. Look for fresh chicken that is firm and pink. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, just sear and bake as directed. This helps save time on busy days and can enhance the flavors. You can serve Caprese stuffed chicken with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy texture - Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch - Quinoa or rice for a filling meal These pairings balance the flavors of the chicken and make your meal complete. You’ve learned how to make delicious Caprese Stuffed Chicken. We covered all the ingredients you need, as well as fun variations. Remember to prep the chicken right and use good cooking techniques. Keeping the chicken juicy is key to great taste. By storing leftovers properly, you can enjoy this dish later. With these tips, you are ready to impress at any meal. Now get cooking and enjoy your tasty creation!

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 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, cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, but not all the way through, creating a pocket.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
  • Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the Caprese mixture, packing it in tightly. You can secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
  • After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Serve on a bed of fresh arugula, garnished with extra basil leaves and drizzled with additional balsamic glaze.
Keyword caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed