– **Title**: Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Chicken Breasts**: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. **Make the Filling**: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
4. **Stuff the Chicken**: Fill each chicken breast pocket with the Caprese mixture, dividing it evenly. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary.
5. **Season the Chicken**: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with the remaining olive oil, and season with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. **Bake the Chicken**: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each breast for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. **Serve**: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing as they cook evenly and are easy to manage. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs work well too and add a bit more flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is best for its creamy texture. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella can substitute, but the melt won’t be as rich. Vegan mozzarella is another great option for a dairy-free version.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes lend a sweet burst to the dish. If out of season, you can swap them with canned diced tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a classic Italian flavor. In a pinch, use dried basil, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. For something different, try adding spinach or arugula for a fresh twist.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a sweet tang to the dish. If you’re out of balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good alternatives, though they will have a different taste profile.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky! To make sure your stuffed chicken cooks evenly without drying out, follow these tips:
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature, as it ensures even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken; when it reads 165°F (75°C), it’s safe to eat.
- If your chicken is thick, consider pounding it gently to an even thickness before stuffing, which helps it cook more uniformly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat.
Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus additional for garnishing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side. You want to create enough space to hold the delicious stuffing! Once done, season both the outside and inside of the pockets with salt, pepper, and the dried oregano for extra flavor.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped basil. If you like a bit of a sweet and tangy taste, you can toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes as well. Mix everything together so that the flavors meld.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fill those chicken pockets! Carefully spoon the mozzarella mixture into each chicken breast. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the opening and keep the filling from spilling out during baking.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top of the chicken for that extra oomph in flavor.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken; it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and it’s no longer pink inside.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves to make it look extra yummy! Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your Caprese stuffed delight!
Can I Use Other Cheeses for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is ideal for that melty goodness, you can substitute with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor twist. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well for the best results.
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Fully Cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be aware that you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a little extra balsamic vinegar can help refresh the dish!
