Caprese Stuffed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning The key to a great Caprese stuffed chicken is fresh ingredients. Start with chicken breasts. They should be boneless and skinless for easy preparation. For the filling, use fresh mozzarella. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Include halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color. Fresh basil gives a burst of flavor. Don’t skip the balsamic glaze. It adds a tangy kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. Garlic powder adds depth of flavor, while salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning bring all the tastes together. Gather all these ingredients before you start. This makes cooking smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To slice chicken breasts for stuffing, lay each breast flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket. This step helps hold the tasty filling inside. For even cooking, try to select chicken breasts of similar size. This helps them cook at the same rate. If some pieces are thicker, they may need more time in the oven. You can also gently pound them to an even thickness if needed. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and balsamic glaze. This mixture brings together creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Stir it well until everything is evenly mixed. Balancing flavors is key. The mozzarella adds creaminess, while the tomatoes give a burst of freshness. The basil adds an herbaceous note, and the balsamic glaze ties it all together with sweetness. Make sure not to overpower any ingredient. Now, it's time to cook. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps brown the chicken. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy! To ensure your chicken stays juicy, follow these simple steps: - Don’t overcook: Bake the chicken until it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Brine the chicken: A quick brine in saltwater adds moisture. Soak the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. - Pound the chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Using a meat thermometer is key. It takes the guesswork out of cooking. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is done. Want to boost the flavor? Here are some easy suggestions: - Spice it up: Try adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for some heat. - Herbs: Fresh thyme or oregano can add depth to your dish. - Sauces: Instead of balsamic glaze, use pesto or a lemon garlic sauce for a twist. These enhancements can make your Caprese stuffed chicken even more delicious! They allow you to personalize the dish to your taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil to enhance the flavor of your Caprese stuffed chicken. Don't Overstuff: Ensure you don’t overstuff the chicken breasts, as this can make it difficult to seal them properly and may cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Let It Rest: Allow the stuffed chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the oil mixture for an extra flavor kick, such as a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Instead of mozzarella, try provolone or goat cheese. Both add unique flavors. You can also swap in roasted red peppers for the tomatoes. This gives a nice smoky taste. For a vegan or vegetarian version, use eggplant or zucchini slices. Stuff these instead of chicken. You can use vegan cheese too. There are many options like cashew cheese or almond cheese. Pair your Caprese stuffed chicken with fresh green salad. A simple arugula salad works well. The peppery taste contrasts nicely with the chicken. You can also serve it with garlic bread. This will soak up all the balsamic glaze. For plating, slice the chicken to show off the filling. Drizzle more balsamic glaze on top for a fancy touch. Add a sprig of basil for color. This makes your dish look beautiful and appetizing. To keep your Caprese stuffed chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. Your stuffed chicken will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the chicken moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover the chicken, and heat it in 30-second intervals. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out. Enjoy your delicious meal again with great taste! Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Just don’t cook them from frozen. The inside may not get done while the outside cooks too fast. What can I substitute for mozzarella? If you don’t have mozzarella, try using provolone or gouda. These cheeses melt well and add a nice flavor. You can also use feta for a tangy twist. Just make sure to adjust the amount since feta is saltier than mozzarella. Why is resting the chicken important? Resting the chicken is key to keeping it juicy. When you take it out of the oven, the juices need time to settle. If you slice it right away, the juices will run out, and the chicken can be dry. Let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. This will keep every bite moist and delicious. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Stuff the chicken breasts and cover them well. They can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prep or when you have guests. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge. This blog post covered how to prepare a delicious stuffed chicken. We started with ingredients like chicken, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. You learned how to slice and stuff the chicken, cook it evenly, and check for doneness. Remember, juicy chicken needs the right tools and tips. Feel free to try different flavors and serve it with your favorite sides. Proper storage helps keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy making this dish your own!$

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

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and slice them in half horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and balsamic glaze. Stir until well mixed.
Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the Caprese mixture, ensuring an equal amount in each.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with the oil mixture, coating evenly.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, and serve warm.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing for better juiciness.

Keyword Caprese, chicken, Italian, stuffed chicken