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Savory Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

caprese stuffed chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties, this dish delivers a comforting and vibrant flavor experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each, pounded to even thickness
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 medium ripe Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • About 12 large fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ยฝ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound until about ยฝ inch thick and even.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. On one half of each breast, layer 2 slices of fresh mozzarella, 3-4 tomato slices, and 3 basil leaves. Fold the breast over to cover the filling and secure edges with 2-3 toothpicks.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  6. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
  8. While the chicken bakes, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened and syrupy, stirring occasionally.
  9. Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Drizzle the balsamic reduction generously over the chicken breasts and garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.

Notes

If cheese oozes too much during searing, lower heat and cover pan loosely with foil. Keep balsamic reduction warm but off heat once thickened to avoid stickiness. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking for juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic reduction, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian recipe