Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Caprese stuffed chicken breast*! It’s not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion wrapped in juicy chicken! Picture this: tender chicken filled with creamy, fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with a hint of balsamic. It’s like summer on a plate! I love making this dish when I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something special. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and the vibrant colors make it absolutely gorgeous. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too! Get ready for compliments!
Ingredients for Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life! You’ll want:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced into small cubes for that melty goodness
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved to let those sweet juices mingle
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped for a burst of aromatic flavor
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to add a tangy kick
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is everything!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing the chicken to perfection
Using fresh ingredients really makes a difference here, so do yourself a favor and grab the good stuff! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
How to Prepare Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Now, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Prepping the Chicken
First things first, let’s prep our chicken! Take those lovely chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. You’ll want to slice a pocket into each one—just be careful not to go all the way through! Aim for a deep pocket that’s about halfway through the breast. This is where all that cheesy goodness will go, so make sure it’s spacious but intact. Once that’s done, you can sprinkle a little salt and pepper inside the pockets for an extra flavor boost!
Making the Stuffing
Now onto the stuffing! In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Add in the balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor! Trust me, the smell of fresh basil and mozzarella will make you swoon!
Cooking the Chicken
Alright, let’s cook! Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts, seam side down. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is crucial for locking in those juices! After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and pop them in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When you take them out, let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing; this ensures they stay juicy and tender. Wow, can you smell that? Delicious!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my best tips to ensure your *Caprese stuffed chicken breast* turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t rush the searing process; that golden crust really locks in moisture and flavor. Also, if you can, let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly! When it comes to the stuffing, feel free to get creative—add some garlic, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick! And remember, if you have leftovers (which I doubt!), they’re fantastic sliced on a salad the next day. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Alright, let’s talk about what to serve alongside your *Caprese stuffed chicken breast* to create a complete and satisfying meal! I love pairing this dish with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens tossed with a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, drizzled with a bit of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor kick. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a side of creamy risotto would be absolutely divine! Trust me, each bite will be pure bliss, and your dinner table will look stunning!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a quick peek at the estimated nutritional information for this delightful *Caprese stuffed chicken breast*! Each serving (one stuffed chicken breast) has about 320 calories, making it a satisfying yet light option. You’ll also get 45 grams of protein, which is fantastic for muscle repair and keeping you full! There’s 12 grams of total fat, with 4 grams being saturated fat. With just 6 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of sugar, it’s a great low-carb choice too! Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how wholesome this dish is. Enjoy fueling your body with deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I make caprese stuffed chicken breast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the *Caprese stuffed chicken breast* a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This way, all the flavors have time to mingle, making it even tastier! When you’re ready, just sear and bake as directed. If you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully, too!
What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?
If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, no worries! You can use regular mozzarella cheese, though it won’t melt quite the same way. Another tasty option is provolone or even ricotta for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious! Experiment and see what you like best!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Great question! The safest way to check if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink. Don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps keep it juicy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with fresh ingredients that burst with taste.
- Healthy option with lean protein and low carbs.
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or special occasions.
- Versatile—customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients!
- Leftovers make a delicious addition to salads or sandwiches.
Trust me, once you make this *Caprese stuffed chicken breast*, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional value of mozzarella, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast: 5 Tips for Juicy Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Caprese stuffed chicken breast is a flavorful dish filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with the mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: caprese stuffed chicken breast, chicken recipes, Italian chicken
