Caprese Stuffed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 1 large tomato, diced - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Toothpicks or kitchen twine - Skillet - Baking dish When preparing Caprese stuffed chicken, the quality of your ingredients matters. Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are easy to work with and cook evenly. The fresh mozzarella cheese should be soft and creamy. This cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich taste to your dish. Choose a ripe, large tomato for the best flavor. Diced tomatoes provide a juicy burst in each bite. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant, herbal note. You can chop them finely to mix well with the other filling ingredients. For seasoning, balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and enhances flavor. Minced garlic gives a punch of zest. Italian seasoning adds warmth and depth. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. You will also need a few tools. Toothpicks or kitchen twine help secure the chicken after stuffing. A skillet cooks the chicken evenly before baking. Finally, a baking dish holds the chicken while it finishes cooking in the oven. Gathering these ingredients and tools ensures a smooth cooking process. You will be well on your way to a delicious Caprese stuffed chicken! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. - Preparing the Caprese filling: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of diced fresh mozzarella, 1 large diced tomato, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped basil leaves. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture creates a fresh and bright flavor. - Butterflying the chicken: Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it lengthwise. Don’t cut all the way through; you want to make a pocket to hold the filling. - Stuffing the chicken breasts: Fill each butterflied chicken breast with the Caprese mixture. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening. This keeps all that tasty filling inside. - Seasoning and searing the chicken: Rub the outside of the stuffed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Then, heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Baking in the oven: Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. To keep the chicken tender and juicy, always butterfly the breasts. This creates a pocket for the filling. Sear the chicken to lock in moisture. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and garlic. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning works well too. Fresh ingredients like basil and mozzarella give the best taste. Dried herbs can work, but fresh adds a vibrant touch. For plating, place the stuffed chicken on a clean plate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a shiny finish. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color. You can also serve it with a side of roasted veggies to make it look great on the table. Pro Tips Keep It Fresh: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil you can find for the best flavor and texture in your Caprese filling. Perfectly Seasoned: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; seasoning the chicken inside and out enhances the overall taste of the dish. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest after baking; this helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy when sliced. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before stuffing. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Try using provolone or goat cheese. These options bring a different taste. Each cheese adds its unique flavor to the chicken. You can also switch up the herbs. If you don’t have fresh basil, use parsley or oregano. Both herbs can brighten the dish nicely. Experiment with what you like best. Grilling is a fun way to cook Caprese stuffed chicken. It adds a smoky flavor that many enjoy. Just be sure to watch the chicken closely. It cooks faster on the grill than in the oven. A slow cooker is another great option. This method keeps the chicken moist and tender. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. You can still add the balsamic glaze for a tasty finish. Pair your Caprese stuffed chicken with fresh salad or roasted veggies. A light side dish complements the rich flavors well. You can also serve it with pasta for a heartier meal. To make it part of a larger meal, include some garlic bread or rice. These sides round out your dinner nicely. Don’t forget to drizzle extra balsamic glaze on the plate for added flavor and flair. After enjoying your Caprese stuffed chicken, you might have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. If you plan to eat it later, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This double wrapping keeps the chicken safe in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them correctly is key. The best method is to heat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it's warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. Heat it in short bursts and check often. Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. In the fridge, your Caprese stuffed chicken lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. However, to know if your leftovers are still good, check for signs of spoilage. Look for any changes in smell, color, or texture. If it smells off or has a strange color, it’s best to toss it. What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese? You can use provolone or goat cheese. Both add a nice flavor. For a lighter option, try ricotta. Each cheese brings a unique taste to your dish. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken and refrigerate it. Just make sure to bake it before serving. This saves time on busy days. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, Caprese stuffed chicken is gluten-free. All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy without worry if you’re avoiding gluten. Can I make it dairy-free? Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cheese. Options like almond or cashew cheese work well. They melt nicely and give great flavor. What are the nutritional facts for Caprese Stuffed Chicken? This dish is rich in protein and low in carbs. Each serving has about 300 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat. Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used. You learned how to make Caprese Stuffed Chicken with simple steps. We covered the main ingredients, like chicken, mozzarella, and basil. I shared tips for cooking the chicken perfectly and ways to make it your own. You can even store leftovers easily. Try this dish for your next meal. It's tasty and fun to prepare. Enjoy sharing it with friends or family!$

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

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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 large tomato, diced
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's hot enough for a perfectly baked chicken.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, diced tomato, and chopped basil. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly to create a vibrant Caprese filling.
Take each chicken breast and carefully butterfly it. To do this, slice through the side lengthwise, being cautious not to cut all the way through, thus creating a pocket for the filling.
Generously fill each butterflied chicken breast with the prepared Caprese mixture. Once filled, secure the opening using toothpicks or by tying with kitchen twine to ensure the delicious filling remains intact during cooking.
Rub the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach a golden brown crust.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added flavor boost.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s important that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist when sliced.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, plate the stuffed chicken and drizzle with additional balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

Keyword Caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed