6-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Chicken : Easy & Juicy

If you’re looking for a simple dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss, this Caprese Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with melted mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil—then pan-seared and finished in the oven for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. It’s a beautiful, balanced combination of protein, freshness, and creaminess in every bite.

Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this recipe takes familiar flavors and transforms them into a satisfying entrée that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting dinner guests, Caprese Stuffed Chicken offers a deliciously elegant solution.

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Why This Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe Works So Well

This recipe is popular for good reason—it blends bold yet simple ingredients with easy cooking methods for reliably delicious results.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Classic Caprese flavors in a new, satisfying form
• Juicy, flavorful chicken thanks to stuffing and searing
• Beautiful presentation without extra effort
• Low carb and high protein—great for balanced eating
• Quick and easy to make with everyday ingredients

It’s the kind of dish that tastes indulgent but fits into a clean, whole-food lifestyle with minimal prep.

Ingredients for Caprese Stuffed Chicken

You’ll only need a few fresh, wholesome ingredients to make this crowd-pleasing meal:

For the stuffed chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1–2 tomatoes, sliced (Roma or vine-ripened work best)
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure)

Optional for serving:

• Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil and extra tomato slices for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife (for cutting pockets in the chicken)
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Skillet (oven-safe preferred)
• Baking dish (if finishing in the oven)
• Toothpicks or twine
• Meat thermometer
• Small bowl (for seasoning mix)

You don’t need any specialty tools—just your kitchen staples.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Caprese Stuffed Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
3. Stuff the chicken: Fill each pocket with 2 slices of mozzarella, 2–3 tomato slices, and 3 basil leaves. Use toothpicks to secure the edges closed.
4. Season: Combine garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the outside of the stuffed chicken.
5. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven (or move chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Finish and serve: Remove toothpicks and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

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Tips for Perfectly Stuffed, Juicy Chicken Breasts

• Use thick, evenly sized chicken breasts to make stuffing easier.
• Don’t overstuff—leave enough room to seal the pocket properly.
• Secure with toothpicks tightly to avoid cheese leaking out while cooking.
• Sear first for flavor and color, then finish in the oven for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Chicken is done at 165°F.

Delicious Variations and Flavor Swaps

Customize your Caprese Stuffed Chicken with these delicious twists:

• Add pesto inside for extra basil flavor.
• Try sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a richer taste.
• Use provolone or fontina if you don’t have mozzarella.
• Swap basil for arugula or spinach for a peppery edge.
• Top with marinara sauce instead of balsamic for an Italian-American version.

You can even use this method to stuff pork chops or thick tofu slices for a vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Serve this dish with sides that balance its richness and highlight its fresh flavors:

• Garlic roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower
• Zucchini noodles or sautéed spinach
• A crisp arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Herbed rice or quinoa
• Crusty bread to soak up any juices or balsamic glaze

For presentation, slice the chicken slightly on the diagonal to reveal the melty cheese and tomato layers.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers Properly

To store: Let the chicken cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals. Add a splash of water or cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing not recommended for best texture, but you can prep and freeze the raw, stuffed chicken (without cheese) and cook later.

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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and stuff the chicken in advance. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Roma or vine-ripened work well—they’re firm and slice cleanly without being too watery.

Can I grill the stuffed chicken?
Yes, but make sure to use indirect heat and watch closely. Secure with toothpicks or a grill-safe basket.

Is this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits many clean eating or keto meal plans.

What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Fresh mozzarella slices are ideal for that creamy melt, but provolone, fontina, or havarti are great too.

Why Caprese Stuffed Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

Fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor, Caprese Stuffed Chicken is the kind of recipe that delivers gourmet results with very little effort. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. With simple ingredients and reliable methods, it’s a dish that looks fancy but comes together fast.

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