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 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.

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

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