This post may contain affiliate links.
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!
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.
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)
- 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)
- 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!
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
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!
Christy Sunderman says
This was absolutely phenomenal! Thank you for the delicious recipe! I love the combination of the fresh basil, tomato and mozzarella...fresh and full of flavor! Super easy to prep, which is a huge bonus for me...I love the simplicity of the ingredients. We used Mt. Kofinas Mediterranean Olive Oil and it was delicious. Lorie - you are the best!
Lorie says
Christy!!! You totally made my day! So glad you guys loved it. ??????
Receita says
This recipe is amazing, very delicious
Lorie says
Thanks so much! It’s one of our faves!! Glad you loved it ??
Tina L Printup says
I'm trying this tonight I used to something similar with the tomato and mozzarella but it was layered on top like a bruchetta I can't wait to try the stuffed
Lorie says
Yay! Hope you love it. It’s one of our recent favorites!
Liz Shaw says
We have a family recipe similar to this- I just love stuffed chicken breast!
Lorie says
Same, I make it way less than I should!
Lindsey says
Love these flavors, and how simple it is!
Lorie says
Simpleis always the way to go!!
Meme says
This mozzarella stuffed chicken is so moist! Its also a perfect holiday dish with all the colors!
Lorie says
Oooh I wasn’t even thinking that!
Emily Kyle says
This looks delicious!! Will definitely be trying for dinner this week!
Lorie says
Hope you guys enjoy!
Tawnie Kroll says
Can't wait to make this for dinner tomorrow night!!
Lorie says
Yesss! I know dinner is gonna rock for you!
Natalie says
I don't eat chicken, but my bf would LOVE this. Will def make for him!
Lorie says
What a sweetheart you are!
Amy @ Orison Orchards says
Yum! I love how colorful and fresh this looks -- it's perfect for this time of year!
Lorie says
Thanks so much Amy!