Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a tasty, fuss-free dinner with classic Italian flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into small pieces
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- About 12 fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss gently and set aside.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally about 3/4 through, opening it like a book without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the tomato and basil mixture, then add fresh mozzarella on top of the filling. Season the outside with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Secure each breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not using an oven-safe pan, transfer chicken to a baking dish before baking.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
If making your own balsamic glaze, simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons brown sugar until reduced and syrupy. Use a sharp knife and steady hands when butterflying chicken breasts to avoid tearing. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Tent with foil if mozzarella browns too quickly. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven to avoid rubbery cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken br
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy dinner, Italian recipe, quick meal