Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
One summer, I had some fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and mozzarella sitting in my fridge, and I wanted to make something that felt a little special for dinner. I thought, “Why not stuff all these delicious ingredients into a chicken breast?” The result was this Caprese stuffed chicken recipe that quickly became a family favorite.The combination of juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a dish that’s both simple and impressive. It’s now my go-to when I want something fresh and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
- Large Skillet
- Baking dish
- Cutting board
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 8–10 fresh basil leaves
- 1 large tomato, sliced (or 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each pocket with a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato (or a few cherry tomato halves), and 2–3 basil leaves.
- Secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place.
- Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the toothpicks or twine, drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.