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Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe


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4.2 from 44 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Juicy Caprese Stuffed Chicken breasts baked with fresh mozzarella, ripe Roma tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this easy and flavorful recipe offers a gourmet taste perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Marinade:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken & Filling:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced and cut into half-moons
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
  • Extra fresh basil, chopped


Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor absorption. Discard the marinade before baking.
  2. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make four deep slits crosswise in each breast, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Be sure not to cut all the way through the chicken. Tip: place chopsticks along each side of the breast to serve as a cutting guide and prevent slicing through.
  4. Stuff the chicken: Carefully tuck one slice of tomato, one slice of mozzarella, and one fresh basil leaf into each slit made in the chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bake: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Before serving, drizzle the chicken with balsamic glaze and garnish with additional chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Mozzarella swaps: Use shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese if fresh mozzarella is not available.
  • Serving ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
  • Quick tip: If short on time, skip the marinade and simply season the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (+1 hour marinating)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American