Print

Savory Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe filled with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, finished with a tangy balsamic reduction. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into chunks
  • 1 medium ripe Roma tomato, thinly sliced
  • About 8 fresh basil leaves, whole
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, rosemary blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast about ¾ of the way through, without cutting all the way through. Pound with a meat mallet if needed for even thickness.
  3. Season both sides and inside the pocket of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stuff each chicken breast pocket with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves. Avoid overstuffing.
  5. Secure the pocket with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling intact.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move chicken to a baking dish if skillet is not oven-safe). Bake for 15-18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While the chicken bakes, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened to a syrupy consistency, stirring occasionally.
  9. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  10. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the chicken breasts before serving. Remove toothpicks and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.

Notes

[‘Ensure even thickness of chicken breasts by pounding to avoid uneven cooking.’, ‘Do not overstuff the chicken pocket to prevent splitting during cooking.’, ‘Sear chicken first to lock in moisture and add flavor.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to remove chicken at 165°F (74°C) for juiciness.’, ‘Simmer balsamic reduction until syrupy; add water if too thick.’, ‘Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices.’, ‘Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain texture.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, caprese chicken, balsamic reduction, easy dinner, weeknight meal, mozzarella, basil, tomato, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/savory-caprese-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-with-easy-balsamic-reduction-2/