Description
This Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves, then seared and baked to perfection with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a flavorful Italian-inspired main course that’s both gluten-free and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring you don’t slice all the way through. Then season the chicken all over with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 to 3 fresh basil leaves. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and nicely browned on the outside.
- Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle the seared chicken breasts with balsamic glaze, then transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze for extra flavor, then serve hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in balsamic vinaigrette before stuffing them.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
