Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken
User Reviews
4.3
Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken
Description
Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken is prepared by cutting pockets into chicken breasts and filling them with fresh tomato slices, strips of sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil, with some sun dried tomato oil to enhance the flavor. Sealed with toothpicks, the breasts are first pan-fried to form a golden exterior and then glazed with a mixture of garlic, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar that simmers to a slight thickness, creating a rich and tangy sauce.
The result is tender baked chicken with a juicy, flavorful stuffing that combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the creaminess of mozzarella. The balsamic glaze adds a subtle sweetness and depth, contrasting nicely with the savory stuffed chicken. The method ensures that the flavors meld while still preserving a satisfying texture.
This dish pairs well with simple sides such as steamed vegetables or a light salad, complementing the robust balsamic and cheese flavors without overwhelming them. It presents a warm, savory entrée that draws from caprese salad components in a cooked form.
Using the oil from the sun dried tomatoes to cook the chicken is recommended to maximize flavor. The toothpicks keep the filling secure during cooking, helping maintain the integrity of the stuffed pockets. Care should be taken not to overcook to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the mozzarella from leaking excessively.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 1 pinch black pepper to season
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 2 Roma tomato sliced thinly
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes strips in oil
- 4 mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice, slices
- 12 basil divided, leaves
- 4 cloves garlic minced or finely chopped
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C | 350°F. Cut a pocket about ¾ quarter of the way through on the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Pour 1 teaspoon of sun dried tomato oil over each breast, rubbing some of the seasoning inside the pockets.
- Fill each with 2 slices fresh tomato, 2 teaspoons sun dried tomato strips, one slice mozzarella cheese and basil leaves.
- Seal with 3-4 toothpicks diagonally to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of sun dried tomato oil (or olive oil) in a skillet or non stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix together the garlic, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small jug. Pour the mixture into the pan around the chicken; bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally, until the glaze has slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Transfer pan to the preheated oven and continue to cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
- Remove toothpicks and drizzle with pan juices.
Notes
- Utilize the sun dried tomato oil from the jar to cook the chicken for enhanced flavor.
- Seal the chicken pockets securely with toothpicks to keep the filling intact while cooking.
- Monitor the glaze thickness during simmering to avoid burning the sugar.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 329 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 329kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 305mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 1.079mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 495IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
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