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Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Caprese stuffed chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil for a juicy, cheesy, and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
  3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Set aside.
  4. On one half of each flattened chicken breast, layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and torn basil leaves. Leave a little room at the edges to seal.
  5. Carefully fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling. Use toothpicks if needed to keep it closed during cooking.
  6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Place the chicken breasts seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Notes

Even thickness of chicken breasts is key to prevent leaking filling and ensure even cooking. Do not overstuff the chicken to avoid difficulty sealing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Tent with foil if cheese bubbles too much to prevent over-browning. Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet-acid contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, mozzarella, basil, tomato, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy, gluten-free

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/flavorful-caprese-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/