• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Lemons + Zest logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
  • Our Adoption Story
  • Privacy Policy
  • Follow me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Dinner / Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil

    Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil

    Last Updated October 11, 2022. Published May 7, 2020 By Lorie 39 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    mozzarella stuffed chicken baked.
    Stuffed chicken with mozzarella, tomato and basil.

    Chicken for dinner doesn't have to be the same old and it doesn't have to be complicated either. This simple baked Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with fresh basil and tomato makes dinner worth repeating! Ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavor-- a Caprese salad right in your chicken!

    Cooked mozarrella stuffed chicken with chopped basil on top.

    This recipe was originally published December 2018 and photos and copy updated May 2020 to include process photos and tips.

    Dinner. The one thing that I swear I get into the biggest ruts in life these days.

    There's taco night, spaghetti night, mama is too tired so we order pizza night, and a few other things here and there. It goes over and over on repeat until I decide I'm bored and I need something new.

    We do chicken at least once a week. This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is my favorite way to switch things up!

    Why You Will Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken:

    • It's so simple to prep. All you need is about 10 minutes to prepare this mozzarella stuffed chicken. Don't think this recipe will require lots of work, it doesn't. Cut the chicken, stuff and bake. Pretty much it!
    • Pairs well with lots of sides. Not mush this recipe doesn't pair well with! Goes great with a nice salad, some garlic mashed potatoes, pasta salad and so much more. Also, some fresh bread of course!
    • Easy to meal prep. You can easily prepare this chicken ahead of time for the week. Or if you want to have it all ready in the morning and then pop it in the oven about 25 minutes before dinner!

    Recipe Ingredients and Substitutes:

    • chicken breast: aim for equal size when buying your chicken. If needed, pound the chicken so that they are similar in size. Depending on the size of the chicken, you may end up with 3 or 4. Recently, I had giant pieces so only used 3.
    • mozzarella: fresh mozzarella is best. I honestly think it is what makes this recipe. Anything you can do to make it happen in this mozzarella stuffed chicken, please do!
    • basil: fresh basil as well. The flavor it adds is unbeatable. Just be aware that any of the basil hanging out of the chicken will come out black in the oven. Consider yourself warned!
    • tomato: I use Roma tomatoes. The size is typically perfect for stuffing inside the chicken. If you use another, you may just need to cut the slices in half.
    • olive oil: if you have a good olive oil, use it! The flavor will be amazing. I recently used a lemon olive oil to make this recipe and it was amazing as well.
    • balsamic vinegar: I use balsamic vinegar in this mozzarella stuffed chicken recipe but also like to use a balsamic glaze on top. A good balsamic vinegar will bring a richer, bolder flavor.
    • spices: Italian seasoning, salt and pepper is what we use. If you don't have any Italian seasoning, some oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil should do the trick as well.
    • garlic: I use some to stuff the chicken and then some to add over top. Garlic powder will work as well.
    Ingredients to make mozzarella stuffed chicken.

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    • Start out by combining the balsamic, olive oil, one garlic clove, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine. Add the sliced tomato and basil into the mixture and allow to soak for several minutes. You can let it sit for up to about an hour even.
    • Slice the chicken in half (see video below) about ¾ of the way through. Try to make sure the top and bottom part of the chicken are even so they cook evenly. (I cut this piece slightly uneven)
    Steps to stuff chicken.
    • Season the chicken breasts with sea salt and pepper as well as one garlic clove.
    • Stuff the chicken! Take each ½ inch circle and cut in half. Place two pieces in the opening of the chicken breast. Layer the tomato and basil from the balsamic olive oil mixture on top of the mozzarella. (steps 1, 2 and 3)
    • Use toothpicks to keep the mozzarella, tomato and basil in place. I also like to pour over the extra balsamic and olive oil mixture on the chicken. (step 4)
    Prepped stuffed chicken.
    • Line the chicken up in a baking pan and bake about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with more chopped basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you have it!
    • There may be some liquid in the pan when you pull the chicken out, so be aware. This happens more often when you add the extra balsamic over top.

    Expert Tips:

    • When putting these stuffed chicken breasts together, using two toothpicks is best to keep everything in place. Plus, it helps if you want to stuff them BIG TIME.
    • While you can certainly use shredded mozzarella if that's what you have, I highly recommend using fresh mozzarella. The flavor, the melt, everything about it is just the best.
    • When slicing the chicken for stuffing, try to do it so that top and bottom half are of equal thickness. This will ensure that both parts cook at an even rate and one does not dry out.
    • You can make these ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge for the day and then pop them in the oven before dinner. That always helps when it comes to meal time for me!
    Chicken breast in baking pan with tomato and mozzarella.

    What to serve with this mozzarella stuffed chicken:

    • I will be the first to tell you this is great with PASTA! A good Italian dish should always be served with pasta right? This Creamy One Pot Pasta is a great option!
    • Not sure if this is too much, but my Caprese Farro Salad is a fan fave. Can you really have too much mozzarella, tomato and basil ever???
    • A really simple tossed salad--like we are talking one of those kits you buy where everything is included.
    • Your favorite veggie--we love these Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
    • A nice glass of wine--what is your favorite?!

    Other recipes to try:

    • Parmesan Crusted Steak and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
    • Baked Orange Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
    • Spinach Ricotta Chicken
    • Sweet and Smoky Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
    • Easy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
    • 15 Minute Sheet Pan Steak and Broccoli
    • Chicken with Mango Salsa

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all the latest!

    Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil

    Chicken for dinner doesn't have to be the same old and it doesn't have to be complicated either. This simple Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with fresh basil and tomato makes dinner worth repeating! Ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavor-- a Caprese salad right in your chicken!
    4.96 from 22 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 427kcal
    Author: Lorie Yarro

    Ingredients 

    • 4 chicken breasts (3 if large in size)
    • 4 ½ in. slices fresh mozzarella (log or ball)
    • 10-12 basil leaves
    • 2 Roma tomatoes
    • 2 teaspoon balsamic
    • 2 T olive oil
    • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Sea salt and pepper
    • balsamic glaze (optional) to serve

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F.
    • Slice tomatoes and chop basil. Add to a small bowl and toss with balsamic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, one garlic clove and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
    • Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper and garlic (using the other clove) on both sides. Use a sharp knife to cut through the middle of each chicken breast but not all the way through. Gently stuff each piece of chicken with one slice of mozzarella halved. Add the tomato basil mixture and then toothpick each end to hold.
    • Place each chicken breast in a greased baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
    • Allow to rest for several minutes before serving! You can add a drizzle or balsamic glaze and chopped basil over top when serving.

    Notes

    • When slicing the chicken for stuffing, try to do it so that top and bottom half are of equal thickness. This will ensure that both parts cook at an even rate and one does not dry out.
    • You can make these ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge for the day and then pop them in the oven before dinner. That always helps when it comes to meal time for me!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 178mg | Sodium: 531mg | Potassium: 942mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 666IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe? I would love to see it! Mention @LemonsAndZest or tag #LemonsAndZest!

    Shop this post:

    Image of Glass 9x13 inch Baking Dish

    Glass 9x13 inch Baking Dish

    Buy Now →
    Image of Meat Thermometer

    Meat Thermometer

    Buy Now →
    « Easy Cucumber Quinoa Salad with Feta
    Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carolyn says

      December 18, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      I would like to make this for company, do you know if it would work on the grill?

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        December 19, 2021 at 10:47 am

        Hi Carolyn! You should be fine putting these on the grill but you will either want to wrap them in foil or cook them over foil so as the cheese doesn’t go everywhere when it melts.

        Reply
    2. Amber says

      November 03, 2021 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      My boyfriend is a picky eater, but boy did he love this dish!! Definitely making this again. Any suggestions of what kind of sides could go well for this next time? I made a creamy rice side with a veggie but I am open to hearing suggestions! 🙂 Thanks for sharing such an awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        November 06, 2021 at 11:50 pm

        Hi Amber! So happy to hear this. I feel like my husband is the same—hard to please, ha! I like the sound of what you served it with. I typically serve the chicken over pasta and then a side salad—kind of boring I know, but it keeps the chicken as the star!!

        Reply
    3. Cathy says

      July 31, 2021 at 7:25 am

      Is it possible to freeze this and reheat in a few days time? I want to be ahead for when family come to stay.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        August 01, 2021 at 8:17 am

        Yes for sure!! You can bake it without the mozzarella and then reheat with the mozzarella on top for fresher cheese when you serve it.

        Reply
    4. Samantha says

      December 03, 2020 at 6:41 pm

      How do you cook the chicken without all the mozzarella melting out? It started melting as soon as i put it in the oven and almost all the cheese was melted out before the chicken was even close to cooked. I used toothpicks to hold it together too.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        December 03, 2020 at 11:16 pm

        Hmmm. That’s a great question. I usually have just a touch of the mozzarella melt out on the ends. You could maybe put it further back in smaller pieces, but you don’t have a ton of room. The other option would just be to melt it on top for the last five to ten minutes of baking!

        Reply
    5. Fernanda says

      July 24, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      I really enjoy it! It is delicious. I didn’t have basil but I used spinach instead! It’s a keeper!!!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        July 26, 2020 at 10:06 pm

        Oh, I will have to try spinach as well then. Sounds good to me!!

        Reply
    6. Carissa says

      June 09, 2020 at 6:42 pm

      Would it be ok to just do the balsamic, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper for the tomatoes and fresh basil? I don't have an Italian seasoning on hand and would like to make it tonight. Or is there another ingredient you'd recommend? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        June 09, 2020 at 7:53 pm

        I think you will still be just fine!! If you wanted, you could add some oregano for something different. But I think you will still be ok!

        Reply
    7. Sarah says

      May 09, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      This looks fantastic. My family loves chicken, so this would be a great recipe to try to mix up our usual chicken dishes.

      Reply
    8. Philly Mama says

      May 01, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      4 stars
      Great quarantine dish! Glad we had fresh basil which I put under the mozzarella.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        May 01, 2020 at 8:58 pm

        So happy to hear it! And yes, fresh basil is key with this recipe in my opinion! Well, and the fresh mozzarella of course. Thanks so much!

        Reply
    9. Alla says

      April 17, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      Do you recommend a basil substitute? We only have dried basil at home and I’m dying to make this tonight 🙂

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 17, 2020 at 12:59 pm

        Hi! Use dried basil or some Italian seasoning. The mozzarella all melted is certainly the star! I am sure it will still be delish!

        Reply
    10. Elly says

      April 08, 2020 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      I just made it for my husband who HATES tomatoes (I told him he could pick them off. ????), and we LOVED IT!! I did improvise a little and didn't measure anything, but I know I went a little extra on some of the ingredients. But it was bomb!! My husband ate himself sick. ???? TOTALLY making it again!!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 09, 2020 at 10:00 pm

        Oh wow--if this isn't the best compliment ever, not sure what is! I just hope he felt better quickly. Thank you so so much for sharing Elly!!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to lemons + zest!

    Hello! I’m Lorie, welcome to lemons + zest! If you love to eat, and you love delicious, simple recipes, then you are in the right place. When it comes to cooking these days, I firmly believe that if it takes too long, or too much work to make, then it’s not for me. Read More…

    30 Minute Meals

    Chicken taco casserole in white dish topped with sour cream, green onions and other toppings.

    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Teriyaki ground pork stir fry in bowl with white rice and chopsticks.

    Teriyaki Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Grilled lemon pepper chicken on white plate with lemon slices and salad.

    Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken

    Pan with green chicken enchiladas topped with chopped cilantro.

    Green Chicken Enchiladas

    Skillet with chicken thighs and fresh parsley on top.

    Our Favorite 30 Minute Dinners

    Shrimp taco salad with cheese, beans, avocado, corn, onion, and other ingredients.

    Shrimp Taco Salad

    White plate with air fried chicken thighs breaded and with chopped parsley on top.

    Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Bowl with Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup with fresh cheddar on top and spoon in bowl.

    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    More 30 Minute Recipes →

    Cozy Soups + Chili

    Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

    Creamy crockpot chicken rice soup in bowl with spoon and fresh parsley.

    Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    Bowl of sweet potato chili with toppings and spoon beside.

    Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili

    Tomato tortellini soup.

    Tomato Tortellini Soup

    Pot of chunky Vegetable Soup.

    Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup

    Creamy white chicken chili with cream cheese in bowl with jalapeño, fritos and cheese.

    Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili

    Pumpkin Quinoa Chili

    Bowl of soup with Italian sausage and gnocchi pasta with spoon.

    Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Butternut Squash White Bean Soup

    Bowl with Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup with fresh cheddar on top and spoon in bowl.

    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Copyright © 2023 · lemons + zest