Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all marinated in a flavorful balsamic and garlic mixture. Baked to perfection, it’s a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad served as a satisfying main dish.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Balsamic & Garlic Marinade
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzle after baking
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Caprese Chicken
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed (approx. 6–8 ounces each)
- 2 Medium Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise then thinly sliced into half-moon shapes
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella, sliced thin, then cut in half into half-moon shapes
- 1 cup Large basil leaves, cut in half, plus more for garnish
- Balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to infuse. Remove chicken from marinade before baking and discard the marinade.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make 4 deep cuts horizontally across the top of each breast, about ½ inch apart, without cutting all the way through. To avoid slicing through, place chopsticks or wooden spoons alongside the chicken breasts as a guide for your knife.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully fill each cut with a slice of tomato, a slice of mozzarella, and a basil leaf, layering the fresh ingredients into the slits to create the signature stuffed look.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired and garnish with extra chopped basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy your Caprese stuffed chicken!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate and assemble the chicken with tomato, mozzarella, and basil up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to bake.
Keywords: Caprese chicken, stuffed chicken breast, baked chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, mozzarella stuffed chicken, balsamic chicken