Caprese-Stuffed Chicken is what happens when you combine juicy chicken breasts, gooey mozzarella, sun-drenched tomatoes, and fresh spinach—all in one irresistible bite. This recipe is bursting with Italian-inspired flavor and is destined to be your new weeknight dinner hero or dinner-party showstopper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Flavor Bomb: Savory chicken acts as the perfect vessel for melty mozzarella, tangy sundried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, so every forkful is a symphony of flavors.
- Simple but Impressive: With just a handful of ingredients, Caprese-Stuffed Chicken gives you restaurant-level wow factor—minimal fuss, maximum applause.
- Weeknight Hero & Dinner Party Star: This dish bakes up fast for busy nights yet always feels special enough to share with guests.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s easy to tailor the fillings or seasoning to your taste, making it a go-to for a variety of eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each item here earns its spot and brings big flavor or beautiful texture to every bite of Caprese-Stuffed Chicken. Fresh, quality ingredients transform this easy dinner into a meal to remember!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump, evenly-sized pieces so the filling stays tucked in and cooks uniformly.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Offers a burst of green goodness that wilts down to tender perfection as the chicken bakes.
- 1 cup drained oil-packed sundried tomatoes (oil reserved): These little gems add a punchy burst of sweet-tart flavor—the reserved oil is also the heart of your pan sauce!
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella: This cheese melts lushly inside, binding the classic Caprese flavors together in every mouthful.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning: A zesty blend of herbs that instantly brings big Italian aroma and robust taste to your chicken.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning ensures every ingredient shines and adds balance to the dish.
Variations
The beauty of Caprese-Stuffed Chicken is just how fun and forgiving it is—use what you have or love, and you’ll discover delicious twists! Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients or add your own spin based on family favorites or dietary needs.
- Swap the Cheese: Try smoked provolone, creamy fontina, or even goat cheese for a fresh take on that gooey middle.
- Add Fresh Basil: Tuck in a few basil leaves along with the spinach to double up on fragrant, summery Caprese flavor.
- Low-Carb Breaded Option: For a crispy outside, coat the stuffed chicken with almond meal or crushed pork rinds before baking.
- Grilled Version: If you’re a grill master, cook the stuffed chicken over medium heat for a charred, smoky twist—just make sure to secure the filling well!
How to Make Caprese-Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Stuffing
Preheat your oven to 400ºF so it’s ready to go. On your cutting board, butterfly each chicken breast by carefully slicing a deep pocket into the thickest side—just make sure not to cut all the way through. Gently layer baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes (with a little of their oil), and a thick slice of mozzarella into each pocket, pressing gently to fit. Don’t worry if it feels full—the cheese will melt down and everything will cozy up together as it bakes!
Step 2: Season and Secure
Once stuffed, season the outside of each chicken breast generously all over with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Use toothpicks to secure the opening—you want all that goodness to stay inside while the chicken cooks, so don’t be shy with the toothpicks!
Step 3: Sear for Flavor
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high. Once shimmering, add your stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes per side, just until beautifully golden. This step locks in juices and adds an irresistible “I want to eat that right now” color.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer reads 165ºF in the thickest part), about 15 minutes. Remove the toothpicks and get ready for the cheese reveal! Pour any pan juices over the top for even more flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Caprese-Stuffed Chicken
- Go Generous on the Seasoning: Don’t skimp—the robust Italian seasoning, plus a good pinch of salt and plenty of pepper, really brings the Caprese-Stuffed Chicken to life inside and out.
- Choose Thick Chicken Breasts: Starting with larger, thicker chicken pieces means you can make deep enough pockets to load them generously with filling—without risk of tearing.
- Secure with Toothpicks—But Don’t Forget Them: Toothpicks are a must for keeping everything tucked inside, but count how many go in so you’re sure to pull them all out before serving.
- Let it Rest Before Slicing: Giving your Caprese-Stuffed Chicken a quick five-minute rest after baking helps the juices settle, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Caprese-Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
Finish each Caprese-Stuffed Chicken breast with a delicate shower of chopped fresh basil, a few grinds of black pepper, or a bracing drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze. If you want to go bold, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving makes each bite pop with bright flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish plays beautifully with a mound of garlic roasted potatoes, a simple arugula salad, or buttery orzo tossed with lemon and herbs. Anything that can soak up the pan juices—including a hunk of crusty, toasted bread—will ensure no flavor is left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For a showy presentation, slice your Caprese-Stuffed Chicken on the diagonal and fan out the pieces on a platter, letting the melted cheese and vibrant filling peek out. Serve family-style or on individual plates with a bright green salad for lively, rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caprese-Stuffed Chicken in a tightly-sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers extra satisfying for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Caprese-Stuffed Chicken freezes surprisingly well. Wrap each (fully cooked and cooled) chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated 325ºF oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. For quicker lunches, use the microwave, but add a splash of water or broth and cover loosely to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Caprese-Stuffed Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts give you a bigger pocket for stuffing, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work as a juicy alternative. Just be sure to overlap and secure them tightly with toothpicks to keep all that Caprese filling from escaping.
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What’s the best mozzarella for this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella is the best choice for Caprese-Stuffed Chicken because it melts beautifully and has that creamy texture classic to Caprese salad. Slice it thick and tuck it deep inside for maximum gooeyness!
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Can I make Caprese-Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance—just keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge. When you’re ready, sear and bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes in the oven if the chicken is very cold.
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What should I do if the stuffing starts to leak out during cooking?
If you see filling escaping during searing or baking, don’t panic! Just use extra toothpicks to secure the opening, and use a spatula to gently push any cheese or greens back into the chicken. Most small leaks will bake up just fine—and you get extra crispy bits in the pan!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hoping to impress guests or simply liven up your weeknight chicken routine, Caprese-Stuffed Chicken delivers every single time. Give it a try and watch it become a staple you turn to again and again—your kitchen is about to smell (and taste) incredible!
Print
Caprese-Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Caprese-Stuffed Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of a classic Caprese salad with juicy chicken breasts. Each bite is filled with gooey mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Stuffing:
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil reserved
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400ºF. Cut a pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each pocket with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Secure with toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat reserved tomato oil and sear the chicken until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until cooked through.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks, arrange chicken on a platter, and pour pan juices over before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to properly secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Feel free to customize the filling with additional ingredients like fresh basil or balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 476
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 674mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 59g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
