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Savory One-Pan Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

one-pan caprese stuffed chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella and basil, roasted alongside burst cherry tomatoes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • 12 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or whole
  • 2 cups (about 300 grams) whole cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional, e.g., oregano or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to cut a horizontal pocket into each breast without slicing all the way through.
  3. Stuff each chicken breast pocket with 2 ounces (about 55 grams) of fresh mozzarella and 3 basil leaves. Press edges gently to seal.
  4. Rub the outside of each breast with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using.
  5. Heat a 10- or 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through.
  6. Push chicken to one side of the pan. Add minced garlic and whole cherry tomatoes to the empty side. Toss tomatoes gently in remaining oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  7. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and tomatoes are blistered and bursting.
  8. Remove skillet from oven and drizzle balsamic vinegar over chicken and tomatoes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If chicken breasts are uneven thickness, pound gently to even thickness before stuffing. Use toothpicks to secure the pocket if cheese leaks. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to keep it moist. Avoid burning garlic by monitoring during roasting. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese or omit and add extra basil and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, stuffed chicken breast, one-pan meal, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/savory-one-pan-caprese-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-with-burst-cherry-tomatoes/