Tangy Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner

Crispy golden chicken breasts with a delectable caprese stuffing promise an incredible culinary adventure.

Melted mozzarella mingles perfectly with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes inside tender meat.

Succulent flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a stunning main course that feels elegant yet simple.

Home cooks can master this impressive dish without complicated techniques.

Seasonal produce makes this recipe shine with vibrant, fresh characteristics.

You’ll want to serve this beautiful chicken immediately after it emerges from the oven, tempting everyone at the table.

Why Caprese Stuffed Chicken Is A Fancy But Easy Meal

• Savor Gourmet Flavors: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish packed with classic Italian caprese ingredients like fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Create an impressive main course with minimal cooking skills, using basic techniques like butterflying chicken and combining fresh ingredients for maximum taste impact.
• Customize Your Culinary Experience: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping herbs, adjusting cheese types, or adding personal spice preferences to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
• Delight Dinner Guests: Serve a visually stunning chicken dish that looks professionally prepared but requires straightforward cooking methods, perfect for impressing family and friends at casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Caprese Stuffed Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary base for this stuffed recipe.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, smooth texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy tomatoes that add intense flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that brings a bright, fresh taste to the chicken filling.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds moisture to the chicken.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a pop of color.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy sauce that provides a final flavor boost.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

How To Make Caprese Stuffed Chicken In The Oven

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Butterfly Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the meat. This technique allows for maximum stuffing potential.

Step 3: Prepare Flavor-Packed Filling

• Garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves

Combine these ingredients to create a vibrant and aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Stuff Chicken with Delicious Ingredients

• Fresh mozzarella
• Sun-dried tomato mixture
• Chopped basil

Ensure the filling is evenly distributed for a perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Secure the Stuffed Chicken

Use toothpicks to seal the chicken breasts, preventing the delicious filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the stuffed chicken to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy chicken.

Step 8: Rest and Finish

Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped parsley
• Drizzle balsamic glaze
• Top with grated parmesan cheese

Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet Caprese stuffed chicken breasts!

Helpful Tips For Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken

• Seal Stuffing Securely: Use toothpicks strategically to prevent cheese and tomato mixture from spilling out during baking, ensuring a perfect presentation.
• Check Internal Temperature: Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Briefly marinate chicken in olive oil and herbs before stuffing to infuse additional Mediterranean-inspired taste profiles.
• Select Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor impact and authentic caprese experience.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover chicken with foil during initial baking stages to lock in moisture, then uncover for final golden browning.

Easy Ways To Change Up Caprese Stuffed Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace basil with oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust herb-infused profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Caprese: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the mozzarella for a zesty kick.
• Pesto Caprese Fusion: Incorporate homemade basil pesto into the cheese mixture for deeper green flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Olive Chicken: Mix chopped kalamata olives with sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean spin.

Great Pairings With Caprese Stuffed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc that complements the caprese flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese-stuffed chicken.
• Serve with Mediterranean Salad: Create a refreshing side of mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette to balance the warm, cheesy chicken.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Prepare golden-brown potato wedges seasoned with rosemary and thyme to provide a hearty, complementary side that echoes the dish's Italian-inspired profile.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and balsamic glaze, adding a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.

How To Store Caprese Stuffed Chicken Well

• Store leftover baked Caprese stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Cover with foil to retain heat and prevent overcooking.
• Stuff and season chicken breasts up to 24 hours before baking. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook, ensuring maximum flavor and freshness.

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Questions Answered

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, which helps the flavors meld together.

• What if I don't have fresh mozzarella?

You can substitute with regular mozzarella or even provolone cheese. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat mozzarella, reduce the olive oil, and opt for lean chicken breasts.

Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts embrace classic Caprese magic in this irresistible recipe that marries Italian flavors with wholesome comfort. Creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes create a delightful melody you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Topping/Garnish:

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.
2. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
3. Mince garlic and chop sun-dried tomatoes into fine pieces, combining them with torn fresh basil leaves.
4. Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomato mixture, and chopped basil.
5. Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
6. Season the exterior of each stuffed chicken breast with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, helping to create a golden, crispy exterior.
8. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken.
11. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

• Butterfly chicken carefully to create an even pocket without cutting through, ensuring a perfect stuffing surface.
• Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melting texture and rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Secure filling with toothpicks strategically to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, maintaining a beautiful presentation.
• For gluten-free version, replace toothpicks with kitchen twine or skip securing if filling is packed tightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 110mg