Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Basil and Tomatoes
Summary
The sublime combination of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes evokes the essence of a Caprese salad. Now, imagine that delightful trio stuffed inside a juicy chicken breast! The Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomatoes not only promises a burst of flavors but also ensures a visually appetizing plate. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will have everyone raving!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts: 4, boneless and skinless
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced: 8 oz (225 grams)
- Fresh basil leaves: 12-16
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup (150 grams)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: for garnish
Time: Preparation: 20 minutes | Cooking: 25 minutes
Serves 4
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 38 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 400 mg
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Inside each pocket, place 2-3 slices of mozzarella cheese, 3-4 basil leaves, and a few halved cherry tomatoes.
- Secure the opening using toothpicks to keep the stuffing intact.
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Opt for fresh mozzarella for better melting and a creamier texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a variation to cherry tomatoes for an intensified flavor.
- For a zestier twist, drizzle a little lemon juice over the chicken before baking.
- Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature; it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the pan juices.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and some extra fresh basil leaves.
- A side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.
- Pair the dish with a glass of crisp white wine or a light red wine to elevate the dining experience.
Bite into the Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomatoes and savor the burst of Italian-inspired flavors. This dish encapsulates the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy elements, ensuring a memorable meal every time. So, gather your loved ones and dive into this culinary delight! Buon appetito!
Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomatoes
The sublime combination of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes evokes the essence of a Caprese salad. Now, imagine that delightful trio stuffed inside a juicy chicken breast! The Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomatoes not only promises a burst of flavors but also ensures a visually appetizing plate. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will have everyone raving!
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Nutritions
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomatoes
Amount per Serving
Calories
320
% Daily Value*
Fat
16
g
25
%
Cholesterol
95
mg
32
%
Sodium
400
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
5
g
2
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
38
g
76
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless and skinless
- Mozzarella cheese sliced: 8 oz (225 grams)
- Fresh basil leaves: 12-16
- Cherry tomatoes halved: 1 cup (150 grams)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons 30 ml
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon 15 ml
- Garlic minced: 2 cloves
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon optional
- Fresh parsley chopped: for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Inside each pocket, place 2-3 slices of mozzarella cheese, 3-4 basil leaves, and a few halved cherry tomatoes.
- Secure the opening using toothpicks to keep the stuffing intact.
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips:
Opt for fresh mozzarella for better melting and a creamier texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a variation to cherry tomatoes for an intensified flavor.
For a zestier twist, drizzle a little lemon juice over the chicken before baking.
Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature; it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the pan juices.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and some extra fresh basil leaves.
A side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.
Pair the dish with a glass of crisp white wine or a light red wine to elevate the dining experience.
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