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Flavorful Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast - featured image

A delicious and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), flattened slightly for stuffing
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm).
  2. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  3. On each flattened chicken breast, layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves (about 2 oz mozzarella and 3-4 tomato slices per breast).
  4. Carefully fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks if needed.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  7. While chicken bakes, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add honey or brown sugar if using. Simmer over medium heat and reduce until syrupy and thickened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Remove toothpicks, plate the chicken breasts, and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.

Notes

If mozzarella leaks during cooking, it’s normal—have napkins handy. Flatten chicken evenly to avoid tearing and ensure even cooking. Watch balsamic reduction closely to prevent burning. Let chicken rest after baking to seal in juices. Can substitute dairy-free mozzarella for vegan version and use sun-dried tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken breast, balsamic reduction, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, easy dinner, low-carb, gluten-free