Description
This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil recipe is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy fresh mozzarella, then baked with a vibrant tomato and basil mixture seasoned with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs. Finished with an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish offers a delicious combination of savory and fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 chicken breasts (3 if large in size)
- 4 slices (4 1/2 inches each) fresh mozzarella (log or ball)
Tomato Basil Mixture
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for seasoning chicken)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Tomato Basil Mixture: Slice the tomatoes and chop the basil leaves. In a small to medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 minced garlic clove, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Season and Stuff Chicken: Season each chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, and the remaining minced garlic clove. Using a sharp knife, cut horizontally through the middle of each chicken breast to create a pocket, without cutting all the way through. Carefully stuff each pocket with half of a fresh mozzarella slice and spoon some of the tomato basil mixture inside. Secure each opening with toothpicks at both ends to hold the stuffing inside during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Lightly grease a baking pan and place the stuffed chicken breasts inside. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken breasts to rest for several minutes after baking. Remove toothpicks carefully. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with additional chopped basil before serving for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- If mozzarella slices are too thick to fit in the chicken, slice them thinner to ease stuffing.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy touch but is optional if you prefer a lighter dish.
- Be gentle when cutting the pocket in the chicken breast to avoid slicing through completely.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
