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Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Balsamic Drizzle

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast - featured image

A simple yet elegant stuffed chicken breast filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded slightly for even thickness
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced thin (heirloom or Roma)
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for balsamic glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the stuffed chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick, without cutting all the way through. Pound the chicken to even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm) if needed.
  2. Season both sides and inside the pocket of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Stuff each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella, 3-4 tomato slices, and 3 basil leaves. Do not overstuff. Secure the opening with 3-4 toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese starts to melt.
  5. While searing, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove toothpicks carefully and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over each breast and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a pan and transfer to a baking dish to finish cooking. Keep an eye on the balsamic reduction to avoid burning. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with sliced avocado or plant-based cheese. The recipe is naturally gluten-free; verify balsamic vinegar ingredients if strict gluten-free is required.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, basil, tomato, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian-inspired