Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast (Print version)

Chicken filled with mozzarella, tomato, basil, baked and finished with balsamic glaze for a vibrant Italian-style meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Filling

06 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
08 - 12 large fresh basil leaves

→ Finishing

09 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
10 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease with olive oil.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket on the side of each breast without slicing through completely.
03 - Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
04 - Fill each pocket with 1–2 slices of mozzarella, 2–3 slices of tomato, and 3 basil leaves. Secure the filling with toothpicks if needed.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
06 - Transfer skillet to oven or move chicken breasts to prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with additional basil leaves prior to serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This chicken holds secrets of juicy cheese and herbal freshness in every slice.
  • It’s light, filling, and surprisingly easy—perfect for a summer night when you don’t want to fuss.
02 -
  • If you cut all the way through the chicken, the filling falls out and makes cleanup a nightmare.
  • Letting the chicken rest before serving keeps the juices inside and makes every bite more tender.
03 -
  • Searing the chicken before baking ensures a perfect golden crust every single time.
  • Homemade balsamic glaze is easy: simmer balsamic vinegar with honey until thick—trust me, it’s worth the three extra minutes.
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