A Taste of Italy at Home: Simple Caprese Stuffed Chicken with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
Bring the vibrant flavors of Italy to your dinner table with our easy recipe for Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with the classic combination of fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and ripe tomatoes, creating a burst of fresh flavor with every bite. Baked or pan-seared to perfection and then drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is both satisfying and visually appealing. It's a simple way to elevate your chicken dinner and enjoy the iconic taste of Caprese in a whole new way.
This simple yet flavorful dish features juicy chicken breasts filled with the classic Caprese combination of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
Estimated Calories per Serving (approximate): 400-500
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
4-6 large fresh basil leaves
1 small ripe tomato, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Equipment:
Sharp knife
Small bowl
Skillet or baking dish
Instructions:
Preheat Oven (Optional): If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, create a deep horizontal slit in the side of each chicken breast, forming a pocket without cutting all the way through.
Stuff Chicken: Season the inside of each chicken pocket with salt and pepper. Place 2 slices of fresh mozzarella, 2-3 basil leaves, and a few slices of tomato inside each pocket.
Season Outside: Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook Chicken (Skillet Method): Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Cook Chicken (Baking Method): Place the seared chicken breasts (from step 5) or directly place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly oiled baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet or oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle each chicken breast generously with balsamic glaze before serving. Serve with your favorite side dish, such as a simple salad or roasted vegetables.