Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast (Printable)
Chicken breasts layered with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, seared and baked with a balsamic glaze.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Caprese Filling
06 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
08 - 16 fresh basil leaves
→ Balsamic Glaze
09 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon honey
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
03 - Season chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
04 - Stuff each pocket with mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and 4 basil leaves. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
05 - Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden.
06 - Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
07 - In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy.
08 - Remove chicken from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The warm melted mozzarella against cool fresh tomato creates that perfect hot-cold contrast that makes Italian food so irresistible
- That balsamic glaze reduces down into something syrupy and sweet-tangy that you will want to put on everything afterward
02 -
- Make sure your knife is sharp when cutting the pockets or you might tear through the other side
- Pat the chicken really dry before searing, or it will steam instead of get that golden crust we want
- The balsamic glaze thickens fast once it reduces, so stay right by the stove toward the end
03 -
- Stick a toothpick in each chicken breast at an angle and it will hold everything together while searing
- Sundried tomatoes work beautifully here if fresh tomatoes are out of season, just pat them dry first