Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and elegant Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then marinated in a tangy balsamic dressing and baked to perfection. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Marinade
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar (plus more for drizzle after baking)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Main
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed, approx. 6–8 ounces each)
- 2 Medium Roma tomatoes (halved lengthwise then thinly sliced to make half-moon shape slices)
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella (sliced thin, then cut in half to make half-moon shape slices)
- 1 cup Large basil leaves (cut in half, plus more for garnish if desired)
- Balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This flavorful marinade will infuse the chicken with a tangy and aromatic taste.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the trimmed chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cut the chicken: Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make 4 deep crosswise cuts about ½ inch apart into the top of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. To avoid slicing completely, place chopsticks or similar items on either side of the chicken as a cutting guide.
- Stuff the chicken: Fill each cut in the chicken with a slice of tomato, a half-moon slice of mozzarella, and a half basil leaf, evenly distributing the ingredients. This stuffing brings the fresh Caprese flavors into the juicy chicken pockets.
- Bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer, ensuring safe and tender chicken.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to seal in juices. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired and garnish with extra chopped basil leaves for a beautiful and flavorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
- Use a sharp knife and chopsticks or similar guides to avoid cutting through the chicken entirely when making slits.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted with burrata for a creamier texture.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar slowly on low heat to make a homemade glaze.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with stuffing
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Caprese chicken, stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, Italian chicken recipe, mozzarella stuffed chicken, healthy chicken dinner