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Savory Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Pesto Drizzle

Savory Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast - featured image
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A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, finished with a flavorful pesto drizzle. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (about 60ml) pesto, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit along the thickest side of each chicken breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Optionally, gently pound to even thickness (about 3/4 inch / 2 cm).
  3. Season inside and out with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stuff each pocket with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves without overfilling.
  5. Seal and secure with toothpicks if needed. Lightly brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil.
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet or move the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While baking, thin the pesto with a teaspoon of olive oil or water if needed to make a drizzle.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Remove toothpicks, drizzle with pesto, and garnish with extra basil if desired.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness. Remove toothpicks before serving. Press chicken gently with a spatula during searing if mozzarella starts to ooze out. Rest chicken after baking to redistribute juices. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and add fresh pesto after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, Caprese chicken, pesto drizzle, easy dinner, weeknight meal, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, gluten-free

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/savory-caprese-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-with-easy-pesto-drizzle/