Caprese Stuffed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Toothpicks or kitchen twine When I prepare Caprese stuffed chicken, I always focus on fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts need to be boneless and skinless for easy stuffing. I love using fresh mozzarella cheese because it melts beautifully. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Fresh basil gives a nice herbal note, making it taste bright and fresh. For seasoning, I use garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple mix amplifies the dish's taste without overpowering it. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness, making the dish pop. Lastly, I use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken. This step is key to keeping all the delicious filling inside while cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is vital to ensure even cooking later on. 2. Preparing the stuffing mixture: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of chopped basil leaves. Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze and stir gently. Set this aside for later. 1. Creating pockets in chicken breasts: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. With a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through so the filling stays inside. 2. Seasoning the chicken: Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This adds great flavor to your dish. 1. Stuffing the chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the mozzarella, tomato, and basil mixture. Don’t be shy—load it up! 2. Searing and baking instructions: Secure each pocket with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing safe. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the top. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let it rest a few minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine. Enjoy your delicious Caprese stuffed chicken! To keep your chicken juicy, start by not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F (75°C). This step ensures your chicken stays moist and tender. Creating the right pocket in the chicken is key. Make it deep enough to hold the filling but don’t cut all the way through. This helps keep the delicious stuffing inside. Seal the pocket well with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This will prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great alternatives that melt well. You can also swap the mozzarella with goat cheese for a tangy twist. Feel free to add other vegetables to your stuffing. Spinach, bell peppers, or even artichokes can add flavor and texture. Mix and match to suit your taste! Caprese Stuffed Chicken pairs well with simple side dishes. Think about serving it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. These sides will balance the richness of the chicken. For presentation, drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top. Place the stuffed chicken on a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. This makes the dish look even more inviting and delicious! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for the best flavor and texture. Secure Properly: Make sure to secure the chicken pockets tightly to prevent the delicious filling from spilling out during cooking. Let it Rest: Allow the stuffed chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain its juices and enhance flavor. Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach or pesto to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can make Caprese stuffed chicken even more tasty. Adding pesto gives it a nice kick. Pesto adds a rich, herby flavor that blends well with the mozzarella and tomatoes. Try spreading a bit of pesto inside the chicken pocket before stuffing. Using different cheeses also brings new flavors. You might swap mozzarella for burrata or goat cheese. Burrata adds creaminess, while goat cheese gives a tangy twist. Experiment and see what you like best. If you follow a low-carb or keto diet, this dish fits nicely. Just skip the balsamic glaze or use a low-sugar version. You can also add more veggies to the stuffing. Zucchini or spinach works well here. For gluten-free needs, this recipe is already safe. Just ensure any added sauces are gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry. Grilling the chicken offers a smoky flavor. Instead of baking, heat your grill and cook the stuffed chicken for about 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to seal the pockets well. A slow cooker is another great option. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method keeps the chicken moist and tender. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge. It will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, avoid drying out the chicken. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it, but this may dry it out. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or in cold water for a quick thaw. Soaking in water takes about 1-2 hours. How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly? To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. What to do if the filling spills out during cooking? If the filling spills out, don't panic! It can still taste great. Try to seal the chicken better next time. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside. If it happens, just scoop it back onto the chicken when serving. Adjusting cooking times for larger chicken breasts If your chicken breasts are larger, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked. Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready to eat. How to make Caprese Stuffed Chicken more kid-friendly? To make it kid-friendly, you can use less basil and choose mozzarella sticks. Kids love the gooey cheese! You might also skip the balsamic glaze if they prefer plain flavors. This blog post covered how to make Caprese Stuffed Chicken, exploring ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. You learned useful tips for cooking and serving. I shared ways to adapt the recipe for different diets and tastes. Remember to store your leftovers properly for the best flavor. Enjoy experimenting with this dish, and don't hesitate to make it your own. Preparing this meal will impress your family and friends while being easy to make. Happy cooking!$

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
as needed toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze. Mix gently to combine and set aside.
Take each chicken breast and use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the thickest part. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the chicken breasts inside and out with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each chicken breast with the mozzarella, tomato, and basil mixture, filling generously.
Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword balsamic, caprese, chicken, mozzarella, stuffed