Savory Caprese Stuffed Chicken with Balsamic Reduction
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a tangy and sweet homemade balsamic reduction. A quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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 to even thickness
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or bocconcini
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- About 12 large fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: splash of white wine for glaze complexity
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
- On one half of each chicken breast, layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves. Add a pinch of minced garlic if desired. Fold the other half over to cover the filling, pressing gently to seal. Use toothpicks if needed.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside is melted.
- While the chicken bakes, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer and cook until reduced by half and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the balsamic reduction generously over the top and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking and easier stuffing. Use toothpicks to secure chicken if needed. Watch the balsamic reduction carefully to avoid burning; it should be syrupy and coat the back of a spoon. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Oven reheating is preferred over microwave to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken br
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Caprese, stuffed chicken, balsamic reduction, easy dinner, weeknight meal, mozzarella, basil, tomato, healthy chicken recipe