Description
Caprese Stuffed Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts filled with gooey mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz/170-225g each)
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 2 medium tomatoes (preferably Roma or vine-ripened), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic glaze, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this ensures better browning. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket horizontally into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. The opening should be about 3-4 inches wide, creating a pocket that extends deep into the breast.
- Step 2: Season and Stuff In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Brush this mixture generously inside each chicken pocket and over the exterior. Layer 2-3 basil leaves, 2 slices of mozzarella, and 2 tomato slices inside each pocket, folding the ingredients as needed to fit. Top with 2-3 more basil leaves before gently pressing the opening closed. Secure with toothpicks.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Take your time with this step—proper browning adds tremendous flavor to your Caprese Stuffed Chicken.
- Step 4: Finish in Oven 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) at its thickest part. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before moving to the oven. Allow the Caprese Stuffed Chicken to rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing.
- Step 5: Serve Plate your Caprese Stuffed Chicken by slicing each breast at an angle to reveal the beautiful Caprese filling. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a professional presentation that highlights the colorful stuffing.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380 calories per serving
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 38 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg