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Savory Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

Caprese stuffed chicken breast - featured image

A quick and impressive stuffed chicken breast recipe filled with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless medium chicken breasts (68 oz each), butterflied
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure chicken
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through and open like a book.
  2. Season both sides inside and out with salt and pepper.
  3. Layer inside each breast: 2 oz fresh mozzarella, 3-4 slices of tomato, 3 basil leaves, and a sprinkle of minced garlic.
  4. Close the chicken breast and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  6. Add stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  7. While chicken cooks, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan, add honey or brown sugar if using, and simmer over medium heat until thick and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes.
  8. Remove chicken from skillet and tent with foil to rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Drizzle balsamic reduction over chicken and garnish with extra basil leaves before serving.

Notes

If chicken browns too quickly, lower heat and cover skillet briefly to cook through without drying. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Balsamic reduction can be made ahead and reheated gently. For baking, cook at 375°F for 25-30 minutes and broil 2-3 minutes to brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic reduction, mozzarella, basil, quick dinner, Italian chicken recipe