Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients are simple. You need chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Fresh mozzarella cheese brings a creamy texture, while cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Chopped basil leaves provide a fresh, aromatic touch. For seasonings, balsamic vinegar adds tanginess. Olive oil keeps everything moist. Garlic gives a rich flavor, while Italian seasoning adds depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great choice. You can also garnish your dish. Extra fresh basil leaves on top create a lovely look. These ingredients come together to make a dish that is both colorful and tasty. Enjoy the blend of fresh flavors in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. - Gather all your ingredients. You need chicken breasts, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and more. - Use a sharp knife to make pockets in the chicken breasts. Slice each one horizontally but do not cut all the way through. - In a bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. - Mix until everything is well combined. This will be your delicious stuffing. - Fill each chicken breast with this mixture. Make sure to pack it in gently. - If needed, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This helps keep the stuffing inside. - In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. - Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. Slice to reveal the beautiful stuffing inside. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The chicken must reach 165°F (74°C) inside. This will keep it juicy and safe to eat. When searing, heat your skillet until it’s hot. This step gives the chicken a nice golden crust. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Want to boost the flavor? Add more herbs like oregano or thyme. Fresh herbs bring great taste. You can also mix in some spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies. If you love cheese, try adding ricotta or parmesan. These choices will make the stuffing richer and creamier. For a beautiful plate, garnish with fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds shine and flavor. Serve the chicken on a colorful platter. Pair it with a side of salad or garlic bread. This makes for a full, lovely meal that looks as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil to enhance the flavor of your Caprese stuffed chicken. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are of uniform thickness to guarantee even cooking throughout. Consider using a meat mallet for this. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier bite. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to put a unique spin on this classic dish. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your taste. Try using different cheeses. Goat cheese or feta can add a nice twist. If you want to skip tomatoes, consider using roasted red peppers. They bring a sweet flavor. Herbs can also change the dish. Instead of basil, try using parsley or oregano. Each herb gives a new taste to the chicken. Experimenting with these swaps can make each meal unique. If you follow a low-carb or keto diet, this recipe is easy to adapt. Simply use less balsamic vinegar and skip the tomatoes. You can add spinach for color and flavor without the carbs. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with thick slices of eggplant. Stuff it with the same mozzarella and tomatoes. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors without meat. This dish is inspired by Italian cooking, but it can blend with other cultures too. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor. You can also sprinkle some Italian sausage into the stuffing for a hearty bite. If you want a fusion idea, why not add some Asian flavors? Use soy sauce and ginger in the stuffing. This gives the dish a fun twist that surprises your taste buds. The options are endless! To store your Caprese stuffed chicken breast, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken moist and fresh. I recommend using glass containers, as they do not retain odors. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to use it. If you want to freeze the stuffed chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, place the chicken in the fridge overnight to thaw. For reheating, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage. If frozen, the chicken can last up to 3 months. Always check the taste and texture after thawing. Enjoy your meal without worry! Cooking stuffed chicken breast takes about 50 minutes in total. First, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare this delicious dish in advance. Stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge before cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just take it out and follow the cooking steps. This makes meal prep easier! To make a balanced meal, serve the stuffed chicken with fresh sides. Here are some ideas: - A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread or crusty baguette - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers - A side of pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs These sides complement the flavors and make for a wonderful dinner! This blog post details how to make delicious Caprese stuffed chicken. We covered key ingredients like chicken, mozzarella, and basil. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. I offered tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to fit your diet. Finally, I shared storage info to keep leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can create a dish that is tasty and impressive. Enjoy making and sharing your Caprese stuffed chicken with friends and family!$

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

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
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each breast by slicing horizontally but not all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the Caprese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly filled. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season to taste with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for added heat.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispy top, if desired.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. Slice the chicken to reveal the beautiful stuffing.

Notes

Serve the chicken breasts on a platter, drizzled with a bit of extra balsamic vinegar and garnished with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

Keyword caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed