Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken Recipe
This Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs, then cooked with a luscious balsamic glaze. A perfect combination of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors that bring the classic Caprese salad into a hearty, satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 pinch salt (to season)
- 1 pinch pepper (to season)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 roma tomatoes, sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomato strips in oil
- 4 mozzarella cheese slices (or cheese of choice)
- 12 basil leaves, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
Balsamic Glaze
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through.
- Season the Chicken: Season both the outside and inside of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to infuse flavor throughout.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese inside each chicken breast pocket along with 3 basil leaves, a few strips of sun-dried tomatoes, and 2-3 thin slices of roma tomato. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed inside the pockets.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the juice and adds flavor.
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken and scatter the minced garlic and remaining basil leaves on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Plate the chicken breasts topped with any remaining balsamic glaze from the baking dish. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken!
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry before seasoning to help the seasonings stick better.
- You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with dry ones rehydrated in warm water if preferred.
- Use fresh mozzarella if available for the best melty texture inside the chicken.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
- The balsamic glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Caprese chicken, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic glaze chicken, Italian chicken recipe, mozzarella stuffed chicken
