Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re ready to meet your new go-to dinner, let me introduce you to Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast. Imagine juicy chicken bursting with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil—then golden-seared and finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a dish that feels elegant but is honestly a breeze to put together, bringing all the zesty flavors of a classic Caprese salad straight to your dinner table in one fantastic bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this lineup is simple, but each ingredient shines and brings its own magic to the finished Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast. Here’s a breakdown of why you won’t want to skip a single thing:
- Chicken breasts: The ultimate blank canvas—boneless, skinless, and just the right size for stuffing.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors in both the chicken and the filling.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that livens up every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs that gives instant Italian flair and delicious depth.
- Fresh mozzarella: Creamy, melty, and oh-so-perfect with tomatoes and basil—choose slices for easy stuffing.
- Tomato: Go for a large, juicy tomato; it gives a sweet-tart contrast to the cheese and chicken.
- Fresh basil leaves: The aromatic highlight—never underestimate the power of fresh herbs here!
- Olive oil: Helps create that beautiful golden sear and keeps everything irresistibly juicy.
- Balsamic glaze: That final drizzle is what ties all the flavors together with its rich, tangy sweetness.
- Toothpicks: These are your secret weapons for holding all that goodness inside the chicken while it cooks.
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grab your chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each one. The trick is to make the pocket deep enough to hold all the fillings, but don’t cut all the way through—think of it like creating a little envelope for all your delicious Caprese elements.
Step 2: Season Generously
Time to wake up those flavors! Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning both inside and out of your chicken breasts. Rubbing the spices inside the pocket means every bite is going to be flavorful—no bland spots here.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Now comes the fun part. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato, and vibrant basil leaves inside each pocket. Don’t be shy—a good stuffed chicken breast deserves to be brimming with filling! Once stuffed, secure the edges with toothpicks, making sure the stuffing stays tucked inside during cooking.
Step 4: Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3–4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful, golden-brown crust that locks in all the juices (and makes for that mouthwatering color!).
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your skillet with the seared chicken directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the mozzarella is irresistibly melted. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, just transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Remove the toothpicks (nobody likes a surprise at the dinner table). Right before serving, finish each Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve them warm and get ready for praise!
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Garnishes
For an extra burst of color and freshness, sprinkle some torn fresh basil over the top of your Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast. You can also add a grind of black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. If you want to get really fancy, add a few halved cherry tomatoes on the plate for that straight-from-the-garden feel.
Side Dishes
This dish is a superstar alongside roasted vegetables, like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. It also loves a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or a tangle of garlicky pasta. If you’re keeping things lighter, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing each Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast crosswise into medallions for a stunning display—the spiral of mozzarella, tomato, and basil makes a visual statement. Or wow your dinner guests by serving each breast whole atop a bed of sautéed spinach with an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze circling the plate like an Italian restaurant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store any leftover balsamic glaze separately so you can drizzle it fresh when serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast, though the texture of the mozzarella will change a bit after thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy within 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (165°C) until heated through (about 15 minutes). For a quicker option, microwave on medium power in 90-second bursts, but watch that mozzarella so it doesn’t overcook. Always add a fresh drizzle of balsamic glaze to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I prepare Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff and secure the chicken up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before searing, then proceed with the recipe.
What’s the best way to keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure you don’t overfill the pockets, and always secure the opening with toothpicks. Searing the chicken helps create a seal as well, so be diligent with those steps.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Sun-dried tomatoes add a punchy, concentrated flavor and a chewy texture that’s absolutely delicious—just a few pieces per chicken breast will do the trick.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Swap the mozzarella for your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. The flavors of the chicken, tomato, basil, and balsamic will still shine through beautifully.
What can I substitute for balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, simmer good-quality balsamic vinegar until thickened, or use a splash of balsamic reduction. Even a dash of aged balsamic vinegar can add that signature tangy-sweet finish.
Final Thoughts
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to deliver big flavor with little effort, and it never fails to impress. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your weeknight rotation! Give it a try, enjoy every bite, and make it your own—you’re in for a new favorite.
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Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil, then baked to perfection and drizzled with balsamic glaze. A delicious and satisfying main course that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced)
- 1 large tomato (sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare chicken: Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stuff with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Secure with toothpicks.
- Sear chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Finish: Remove toothpicks, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and balsamic vinegar before stuffing.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
