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