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- 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, halved - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - This dish has around 400 calories per serving. - Each serving contains about 40 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of fat. - If you need an alternative for mozzarella, use goat cheese or feta. - For fresh basil, you can try parsley or spinach. - If you don’t have balsamic glaze, regular balsamic vinegar works well. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. - Preparing the stuffing mixture: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella, ½ cup of chopped basil, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all the flavors blend well. - How to create a pocket in chicken breasts: Take 2 large chicken breasts and lay them flat. Carefully cut a pocket in each breast by slicing them horizontally. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a deep pocket for your stuffing. - Tips for even stuffing: Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture you made earlier. Divide the stuffing evenly. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the openings, keeping the filling secure. - Cooking time and temperature: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake them for 25-30 minutes. Ensure your oven stays at the same temperature. - Signs that the chicken is fully cooked: Check if the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. To keep your chicken moist, always use a meat thermometer. This helps you know when it's done. Cook the chicken to 165°F (74°C) for safety. If you want more flavor, drizzle olive oil on the chicken before cooking. When securing the chicken, you can use toothpicks or kitchen twine. Toothpicks are quick and easy. Just remember to remove them before serving. Kitchen twine can hold the filling better, but it takes a bit longer to tie. Choose what works best for you! For serving, slice the chicken on a diagonal. This makes it look fancy and lets the filling show. Place it on a colorful plate for contrast. Add a salad or roasted veggies on the side for a complete meal. To garnish, sprinkle fresh basil on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice touch. This makes the dish pop with color and flavor. Avoid overstuffing the chicken. If you add too much filling, it may spill out while cooking. Aim for just enough to fill the pocket without bursting. To prevent undercooking, check the chicken’s internal temperature. If you cook it too long, the chicken can dry out. Always keep an eye on the time and use a thermometer for best results. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish, so opt for the freshest you can find. Don’t Overstuff: While it's tempting to fill the chicken breasts to the brim, overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to the stuffing for a unique twist on the classic Caprese flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavors in Caprese stuffed chicken. Adding spinach or arugula gives a fresh twist. These greens add color and nutrients. You can mix them into the cheese and tomato filling. Using different types of cheese can also change the dish. Try using feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. You can even mix mozzarella with provolone for a richer taste. Each cheese brings its unique flair to the chicken. You can grill or bake your stuffed chicken. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. It also adds nice grill marks. Bake the chicken for a classic approach. Baking keeps the chicken juicy and tender. If you have an air fryer, it’s a great option too. Cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method makes the chicken crispy outside while staying moist inside. Pair your Caprese stuffed chicken with fresh veggies or a crisp salad. Roasted asparagus or a side of garlic bread works great too. These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. To make it a full meal, serve it with pasta or quinoa. A light pasta with olive oil and herbs complements the dish well. Add a glass of white wine for a delightful dinner experience. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to use a good storage container. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. For reheating, the oven is the best choice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the chicken and heat in short bursts. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Check it often to avoid overcooking. To freeze Caprese stuffed chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven method again for the best results. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer for best results. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and stuff it, then cover and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day for a quick meal. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can use portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. Stuff the mushrooms with the Caprese mixture. Bake them for a tasty vegetarian meal. What can I use instead of chicken breasts? You can use chicken thighs or even turkey breasts. Both will work well and add different flavors to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. What is the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist? To keep the chicken moist, do not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Brining the chicken briefly before cooking can also help lock in moisture. How many calories are in Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast? One serving of Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast has about 400 calories. This can vary based on the size of the chicken and how much cheese you use. This blog post covered the essentials for making Caprese Stuffed Chicken. We explored the tasty ingredients, including chicken, mozzarella, and fresh basil. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation, stuffing, and baking. Remember tips to keep the chicken moist and avoid common mistakes. Variations for flavors and cooking methods can offer new ideas. Lastly, I shared helpful storage and reheating tips. With this knowledge, you can confidently create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and make this dish your own!

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic glaze, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
  • Take the chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket in each breast by slicing them horizontally, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with the Caprese mixture, dividing it evenly between the two. Secure the openings with toothpicks or tie them with kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
  • Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with additional salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
  • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. If desired, drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor and presentation.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm, drizzled with extra balsamic glaze if desired, and sprinkle fresh basil on top for garnish.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Keyword Caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed chicken