Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast (Printable)

Chicken loaded with mozzarella, tomato, basil, drizzled with balsamic for a flavorful, light Italian-inspired main.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Filling

06 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
08 - 12 large fresh basil leaves

→ Finishing

09 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
10 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast, taking care not to slice through completely.
03 - Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
04 - Stuff each chicken breast with 1–2 slices of mozzarella cheese, 2–3 slices of tomato, and 3 basil leaves. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
06 - Transfer skillet to preheated oven or place chicken in prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Remove chicken breasts from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Stuffing chicken with Caprese ingredients creates a surprising burst of flavor in every bite.
  • This recipe is both light and filling, making it perfect for warm evenings when you want something satisfying but not heavy.
02 -
  • If you skip drying the chicken, it won’t brown well and can turn out rubbery—trust me, I learned that the hard way.
  • Putting the mozzarella at the center keeps it from leaking out during baking and helps get that perfect melty interior.
03 -
  • Searing the chicken before baking locks in flavor and prevents the filling from drying out.
  • A touch of prosciutto in the filling adds a burst of savory depth—you can experiment once you’re comfortable.
Go Back