Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken breasts filled with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, make for a gourmet meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something delicious, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese or regular mozzarella slices
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, divided into 4 servings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast about 3/4 of the way through starting on the thickest side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with 2 slices of tomato, 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of basil leaves. Secure the filling by placing 4 toothpicks diagonally into the open side of each chicken breast.
- Season and Sear: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, dried basil, and dried oregano. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a non-stick or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear for 2 minutes on each side, being careful when flipping.
- Prepare Balsamic Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a 9 x 13 casserole dish if using a non-stick pan, or leave them in the cast iron pan if oven-safe. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken breasts. Place the casserole dish or cast iron pan in the preheated oven and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
- Serve: Drizzle the cooked chicken with extra balsamic glaze before serving. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts prior to serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: (per serving) *Caloric information will vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Galore: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the cooked chicken for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Side Dish Harmony: Serve the Caprese Stuffed Chicken alongside a bed of cooked pasta or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Brunch Brilliance: Slice leftover chicken and serve it on toasted ciabatta bread for a delicious Caprese Stuffed Chicken sandwich.
- Family Feast: Double the recipe to feed a larger crowd at family gatherings or dinner parties.
- Grill Master: Fire up the grill and cook the stuffed chicken breasts outdoors for a smoky twist on this classic recipe.
- Meal Prep Marvel: Prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake for a convenient weeknight dinner option.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy indulgence.
- Fancy Presentation: Arrange the cooked chicken on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for an elegant presentation.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Caprese Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual portions of cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Sauce Savvy: Reserve any leftover balsamic glaze separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave before serving with reheated chicken.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Caprese Stuffed Chicken any time with ease and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or savoring a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Variations:
- Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Replace fresh tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for an intensified flavor profile.
- Pesto Paradise: Spread a layer of basil pesto inside the chicken breasts before stuffing for an extra burst of herbaceous goodness.
- Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms to the stuffing mixture for a savory umami boost.
- Spinach Surprise: Mix in wilted spinach with the basil leaves for added nutrients and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Prosciutto Perfection: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice of prosciutto before searing for an added layer of salty goodness.
- Goat Cheese Glamour: Substitute mozzarella cheese with creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Bacon Bliss: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with bacon strips before searing for a smoky and savory upgrade.
- Mediterranean Medley: Add chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the stuffing mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion.
- Artichoke Addition: Mix chopped marinated artichoke hearts into the stuffing mixture for a briny and satisfying bite.
- Hawaiian Fusion: Replace basil leaves with pineapple chunks and swap mozzarella with sliced ham for a tropical twist on the classic Caprese flavor combination.
- Italian Sausage Sensation: Mix cooked and crumbled Italian sausage into the stuffing mixture for a hearty and flavorful twist.
- Smoked Gouda Surprise: Swap out the mozzarella cheese for slices of smoked gouda cheese for a rich and smoky flavor profile.
- Balsamic Glaze Swap: Experiment with different flavored balsamic glazes such as fig, raspberry, or garlic-infused for a unique twist.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, ensure all ingredients used are gluten-free, especially the balsamic vinegar and any pre-packaged seasonings.
- Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
- What can I serve with Caprese Stuffed Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking it?
- Absolutely! Grill the stuffed chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
- Searing the chicken helps seal in juices and adds flavor, but you can skip this step if preferred.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or Swiss.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Can I use a different type of vinegar for the balsamic glaze?
- While balsamic vinegar offers a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and omit the cheese if desired.
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this delectable Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts stuffed with classic Caprese ingredients and baked to perfection, topped with a sweet and savory balsamic glaze, are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Serve alongside your favorite sides for a memorable meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
