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Savory One-Pan Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

one-pan caprese stuffed chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a comforting yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded slightly to even thickness
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into small pieces
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced (roma or vine-ripened)
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for glaze)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure chicken pockets
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: splash of white wine for deglazing the pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and gently pound to about ½ inch thickness.
  3. Carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of each breast to create a pocket without cutting through.
  4. Season inside and outside the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  5. Stuff each pocket with torn mozzarella, tomato slices, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves. Secure openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  6. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  7. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  8. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. While baking, simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until reduced by half and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
  10. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Drizzle balsamic reduction over chicken and garnish with extra fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results. Secure chicken pockets tightly with toothpicks or twine to prevent cheese leakage. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. If chicken browns too quickly, reduce heat. Balsamic reduction can be made ahead and kept warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, Caprese chicken, one-pan dinner, mozzarella stuffed chicken, easy chicken recipe, balsamic glaze chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/savory-one-pan-caprese-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/