Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *caprese stuffed chicken*! It’s like a little bite of summer wrapped in a juicy chicken breast. I first made this dish for my family during a sunny backyard dinner party, and the vibrant colors of the fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil just popped on the plate. Everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! The way the flavors meld together is simply magical—every bite bursts with that classic caprese taste. Trust me, if you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious, this caprese stuffed chicken is where it’s at!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Caprese Stuffed Chicken
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it!
- While that’s heating up, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is going to be the star of your stuffed chicken!
- Next, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side. Be gentle, and don’t cut all the way through—just enough to create a nice little space for that delicious filling.
- Now, stuff each pocket generously with your mozzarella and tomato mixture. I like to really pack it in there, so you get a burst of flavor in every bite!
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, sear each chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Oh, the smell is amazing!
- Once seared, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top. This adds such a lovely tang!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure it’s no longer pink in the center!
- Once it’s done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those wonderful juices inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just about 45 minutes!
- The combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
- You can easily customize the stuffing to your liking—add some sun-dried tomatoes or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tips for Success
To get that perfect sear on your chicken, make sure the olive oil is hot before adding the breasts—this locks in moisture and flavor! When stuffing, don’t be afraid to overfill the pockets; a generous amount of filling will give you that delicious burst of caprese flavor. If you find the chicken is sticking to the pan, give it a little more time before flipping—patience is key! For even more depth of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the filling. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious caprese stuffed chicken contains approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 40g of protein, and 4g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. It’s a guilt-free indulgence packed with nutrients!
FAQ Section
Can I use different cheese for stuffing?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or provolone for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly, but I’m sure it’ll still be delicious!
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before searing for the best results.
What sides pair well with caprese stuffed chicken?
This dish goes wonderfully with a simple arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta. The fresh flavors complement each other beautifully!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and make sure there’s no pink in the center!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken! Just wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
To really round out your meal with this caprese stuffed chicken, I recommend serving it alongside a vibrant arugula salad tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery flavor of the arugula complements the richness of the chicken perfectly! You could also roast some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and Italian herbs for a colorful side. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, a light pasta with garlic and olive oil would pair beautifully, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with these options!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover caprese stuffed chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that juicy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish, covering it loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Caprese Stuffed Chicken: 7 Steps to Pure Deliciousness
A flavorful chicken dish stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.
- Stuff each pocket with the cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with a salad or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: caprese stuffed chicken