Print

Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Balsamic Glaze

Caprese stuffed chicken breast - featured image

A juicy, cheesy, herbaceous stuffed chicken breast inspired by Caprese salad, finished with a tangy and sweet balsamic glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz / 170225 g each)
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into small pieces
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket about 3/4 of the way through. Alternatively, pound the breasts between plastic wrap until about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick for an even surface for stuffing. (10 minutes)
  2. Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs evenly. Set aside. (3 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Lay out the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, and basil leaves. Drizzle some garlic oil inside each chicken pocket or on the pounded chicken. (5 minutes)
  4. Place a few slices of tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves inside each chicken pocket. Do not overstuff to avoid bursting during cooking. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed. (5 minutes)
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. (8 minutes)
  6. While chicken sears, add balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently and let reduce until thick and syrupy, about 7-10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. (10 minutes)
  7. Transfer the skillet with seared chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes. (20 minutes)
  8. Remove toothpicks or twine carefully. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the chicken breasts. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired. (5 minutes)

Notes

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish after searing. Adjust baking time if chicken breasts are very thick to avoid drying out. Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives or chicken cutlets for substitutions. Start the balsamic glaze while searing chicken to have it ready when baking finishes. Avoid overstuffing to prevent filling leakage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic glaze, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, healthy chicken