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- 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, plus extra for drizzling - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus a little more for drizzling - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing For this Caprese stuffed chicken recipe, you need two large chicken breasts. They should be thick enough to hold a good amount of filling. The Caprese filling requires fresh and vibrant ingredients. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh mozzarella provides creaminess and melts beautifully. The basil brings in a fragrant touch. Minced garlic adds depth to the flavor. Don’t forget the seasoning! Olive oil helps the filling stick together and keeps the chicken moist. Balsamic glaze gives a tangy sweetness that brightens the dish. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Make sure you have toothpicks or kitchen twine ready. You’ll need these to secure the chicken after stuffing it. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delicious and flavorful dinner. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your chicken cooks evenly. 2. In a medium bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and minced garlic. 3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and balsamic glaze into the bowl. 4. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all flavors. 5. Now, take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. 6. Carefully slice a pocket into each breast. Don’t cut all the way through. 1. Stuff each chicken breast with the Caprese mixture. Make sure to fill both evenly. 2. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings. This keeps the filling inside. 1. Season the outside of the stuffed chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the surface for added flavor. 3. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. 4. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the tops for extra taste and presentation. 5. Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Cook until golden brown. 6. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 7. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. 8. This resting time helps keep the chicken moist when you slice it. 9. Slice each stuffed chicken breast and serve warm. Drizzle more balsamic glaze if you like. To keep your chicken moist, start with good quality breasts. Look for plump, fresh chicken. When you cook, always use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) inside. This ensures juicy meat. Let the chicken rest after baking. It helps the juices settle. Different ovens heat differently. If yours runs hot, check the chicken at 20 minutes. If it’s cooler, you might need more time. Keep an eye on it. Adjust as needed for perfect results. For serving, use a nice plate or a rustic wooden board. It makes a big difference. Place the chicken in the center. Drizzle with balsamic glaze to add shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a pop of flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top. It makes the dish look even more inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use the freshest mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes you can find. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and enhance its overall taste. Secure the Stuffing: Make sure to tightly secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the delicious filling from leaking out while cooking. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This step is crucial as it helps retain the juices, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken. Drizzle for Presentation: A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving not only adds a burst of flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your dish, making it look restaurant-quality. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Use goat cheese for a tangy twist. Feta cheese also works well and adds a salty flavor. If you want a milder taste, try ricotta. You can also change the herbs. Instead of basil, use parsley or thyme. These choices give new layers of taste. Feel free to add more veggies to the stuffing. Spinach adds a nice color and nutrition. Zucchini or bell peppers can bring extra crunch. If you love a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños. These small changes keep the dish fresh and exciting. You can grill or bake the chicken. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Just be sure to keep the heat medium to avoid burning. Baking is easy and keeps the chicken juicy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for best results. If you want to save time, try an Instant Pot or slow cooker. In the Instant Pot, cook on high for about 10 minutes. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6 hours. Both methods keep the chicken moist and full of flavor. These options are great for busy days when you need a meal ready to go. To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the chicken may lose flavor and texture. When reheating, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps the chicken juicy. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. For leftover chicken, get creative! Add it to salads for a fresh meal. Chop it up and mix it with pasta or make a hearty sandwich. You can also dice it and stir it into a creamy soup for a quick dinner. How to tell if chicken is fully cooked? You can check if chicken is done by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, and the juices should run clear, not pink. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance. Stuff the chicken breasts and cover them tightly. Store in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This saves time for a busy weeknight dinner. What to serve with Caprese stuffed chicken? Caprese stuffed chicken pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with pasta or crusty bread. For a fresh touch, drizzle more balsamic glaze on the side. This post covered how to prepare a tasty Caprese stuffed chicken. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared variations to keep meals fresh and exciting. Don't forget about storing and reheating tips for leftovers. With these ideas, you can enjoy this dish any time. You’ll impress your friends and family with ease. Happy cooking!

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, chopped basil, and minced garlic. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with dried oregano and a generous pinch of salt and pepper; mix well to harmonize the flavors.
  • Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Carefully slice a pocket into each breast by making a horizontal cut, ensuring you don't slice all the way through.
  • Generously stuff each chicken breast with the Caprese mixture, making sure to evenly distribute the filling between both breasts. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to securely close the openings and prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
  • Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper, and drizzle a bit more olive oil over the surface to enhance flavor and moisture.
  • Place the stuffed chicken breasts into a baking dish. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, drizzle a little additional balsamic glaze over the top before baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result when sliced.
  • Slice each stuffed chicken breast and serve warm. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired and sprinkle with fresh basil for a vibrant garnish.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board or colorful plate with fresh basil and balsamic glaze for garnish.
Keyword Caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed chicken