🍽️ Caprese Stuffed Chicken 🍅🧀
Description:
This Caprese Stuffed Chicken is a delicious twist on the classic Caprese salad. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, then seared to perfection and glazed with a sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal!
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella (or regular mozzarella)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, divided into 4 portions
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
🍳 Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket (don’t cut all the way through). Season both sides and inside the pockets with salt, oregano, and dried basil. - Stuff:
Into each pocket, layer 2 slices of tomato, 2 slices of mozzarella, and a few fresh basil leaves. - Secure:
Use toothpicks to hold the filling in place if needed. - Sear:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. - Bake (optional but recommended):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Make Balsamic Glaze:
In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a simmer. Stir frequently until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 6–8 minutes). - Serve:
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the stuffed chicken and garnish with additional basil if desired.
👨🍳 Notes:
- Use firm tomatoes to avoid excess moisture.
- Fresh mozzarella gives the best melt and flavor, but low-moisture mozzarella can also be used.
- You can use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
💡 Tips:
- Make sure to not overstuff the chicken to avoid leakage during cooking.
- Toothpicks help keep everything intact—just remember to remove them before serving!
- You can cook entirely on the stove by covering the skillet and reducing heat to low after searing, cooking for 10 more minutes.
- Serve with a side of garlic green beans, pasta, or a simple garden salad.
🍽️ Servings:
Serves: 4 people
Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 370–420 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
🌿 Benefits:
- High in protein – great for muscle repair and satiety.
- Fresh basil and tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
- Mozzarella offers calcium and good fats in moderation.
- The balsamic glaze adds flavor without heavy sauces.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I prep this dish in advance?
A: Yes! You can stuff and refrigerate the chicken up to 1 day ahead. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
Q: Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking it?
A: Yes, but make sure to grill over indirect heat and use foil to prevent burning or loss of filling.
Q: What can I substitute for mozzarella?
A: Try provolone, Havarti, or even a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Mostly yes—just reduce or omit the brown sugar in the glaze to keep carbs minimal.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.