Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, ready in under 30 minutes. These Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are bursting with flavor and make for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken
- Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal slit along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken
- Season the inside of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper to taste. Stuff each pocket with a slice of mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves.
Secure with Toothpicks
- Use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts, ensuring the stuffing stays inside during cooking.
Season the Chicken
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake in the Oven
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish, if desired. Serve the Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts hot, with your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Variations
Balsamic Glaze
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until thickened, or use store-bought balsamic glaze.
Cheese Options
- Feel free to use other types of cheese such as provolone, Swiss, or goat cheese for different flavor variations.
Tomato Alternatives
- If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a delicious alternative.
Herb Variations
- Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg