Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast One Pan Recipe
A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes, finished with a balsamic glaze for a vibrant Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded slightly for even cooking
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- About 12 fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
- Layer 2 slices of fresh mozzarella and 3 basil leaves on one half of each flattened chicken breast. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then fold the other half over to enclose the filling like a pocket. Use toothpicks if needed to secure them.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Toss gently to coat in the oil and garlic.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven carefully. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and tomatoes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
If worried about mozzarella leaking, slice cheese thicker and fold chicken tightly. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure. Avoid burning garlic by adding it after the first minute of searing. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese or omit cheese and add avocado slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken br
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Caprese stuffed chicken, one pan chicken recipe, mozzarella stuffed chicken, basil chicken, cherry tomato chicken, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken recipe, low-carb chicken