Description
This Cheesy Caprese-Stuffed Chicken is an easy and delicious dinner treat featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Baked to perfection with Italian seasoning, this dish makes for a satisfying and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Chicken thighs can add deeper flavor)
Filling
- 2 cups Baby Spinach (Kale or Swiss chard are substitutes)
- 1 cup Drained Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Fresh tomatoes can be used for a lighter version)
- 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella (Swap with provolone for more kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Consider fresh herbs like basil or oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Season to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Season to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, drained sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed and vibrant in color.
- Stuff the Chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicy and tender. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, substitute chicken breasts with thighs.
- Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of baby spinach for variation.
- Fresh tomatoes can replace sun-dried tomatoes for a lighter taste.
- Provolone cheese is a great alternative to mozzarella if you prefer a sharper flavor.
- To secure stuffed chicken pockets, use toothpicks if needed.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
