Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)
Instructions
Creating Caprese Stuffed Chicken can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by carefully slicing it open without cutting all the way through.
4. Season the Chicken: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the Caprese filling into each chicken breast pocket, being careful not to overfill. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling intact during cooking.
6. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken: Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to keep the juices inside.
9. Serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine. Slice the chicken breasts in half to reveal the colorful filling before plating.
10. Garnish (Optional): Drizzle extra balsamic vinegar on top for added flavor, and serve with a fresh side salad or vegetables.
These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 40g