Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes, delivering a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
- 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Pat the chicken dry.
- Season both sides and inside the pockets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a small bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and torn basil leaves. Toss gently with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Stuff each chicken pocket with slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella and a spoonful of the tomato-basil mixture. Do not overstuff.
- Secure the pockets with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an 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 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the mozzarella is melted.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks or twine, slice if desired, and garnish with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if available.
Notes
Do not overstuff the chicken pockets to prevent cheese leakage. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning. Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. If no oven-safe skillet is available, transfer to a baking dish after searing. Can prepare chicken breasts stuffed and seasoned up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken br
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 42
Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, Italian, easy dinner, quick recipe, gluten-free, low-carb