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Juicy Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Juicy Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast - featured image
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A juicy, flavorful chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, inspired by classic Caprese salad. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional, e.g., oregano or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each breast by cutting horizontally about ¾ of the way through, being careful not to cut all the way through. (10 minutes)
  2. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs inside the pocket and on the surface of each breast. (2 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, combine halved tomatoes, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss gently to coat. (5 minutes)
  4. Stuff each chicken pocket with fresh basil leaves, mozzarella slices, and spoon in the tomato mixture. Press edges gently to seal without overstuffing. (7 minutes)
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed breasts for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. (6-7 minutes)
  6. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted. (15-20 minutes)
  7. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired and garnish with extra basil leaves. (5 minutes)

Notes

Do not overstuff the chicken pockets to prevent bursting during cooking. Use fresh mozzarella for best melt and texture. Sear chicken before baking to lock in juices and create a golden crust. Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute juices. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese. If chicken breasts are thick, pound to even thickness before slicing pockets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian, healthy, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/juicy-caprese-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/