Ever have one of those nights where you want a dinner that feels fancy—like you put in a ton of effort—but you really, really don’t have the time or energy for a long list of ingredients and complicated steps? You dream of something elegant, something that would impress guests, but you need it to be a weeknight warrior.

What if I told you that the secret to a restaurant-quality meal is just five simple ingredients and about 30 minutes? This 5-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast is your answer. It takes the classic, beloved flavors of a Caprese salad—juicy tomato, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil—and stuffs them inside a tender chicken breast. The result is a meal that is stunningly simple yet undeniably elegant. Let’s create some magic!

Why This Recipe is a Total Game-Changer

This dish is the ultimate proof that less is more. Here’s why it works so well:

• The Power of Five: With only five core ingredients, there’s no room for hiding. Each one is a superstar, and together they create a harmony of fresh, vibrant flavors.

• Elegance, Demystified: “Stuffed” chicken sounds fancy and technical, but it’s surprisingly simple. A quick tip (see below!) makes it foolproof.

• The Balsamic Finish: A drizzle of balsamic glaze (or reduction) at the end isn’t just for looks. Its sweet and tangy acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and brings the entire dish together.

This isn’t just baked chicken. It’s a transformative experience that turns basic ingredients into a meal that feels special.

Your 5 Ingredient Stars

The simplicity of this dish means quality matters. Here’s what you need:

1. Chicken Breasts: Look for large, plump breasts. You can also ask your butcher for “cutlets” or ones that are already butterflied to save a step.

2. Fresh Mozzarella: This is non-negotiable. You need the soft, fresh kind that comes in water (often called mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte), not the low-moisture, block kind used for pizza. It provides that incredible creamy, milky melt.

3. Fresh Basil: Please use fresh! Its bright, peppery aroma is the soul of the Caprese flavor profile. Dried basil won’t work here.

4. Tomato: A ripe Roma or plum tomato is perfect—they are less watery than beefsteak tomatoes. You’ll only need one.

5. Balsamic Glaze: You can find this pre-made in most grocery stores near the oils and vinegar. It’s a thick, syrupy reduction. If you can’t find it, you can easily make your own by simmering 1 cup of balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 10-15 minutes).

How to Make It: The Foolproof Method

The only step that might seem intimidating is stuffing the chicken. But here’s a chef’s secret: you don’t need to butterfly it perfectly.

The “Pocket” Method:

1. Hold the chicken breast flat on your cutting board. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of the chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.

2. Stuff the pocket with your cheese, tomato, and basil.

3. Secure the opening with 1-2 toothpicks. That’s it! No intricate knife skills required.

This method is much easier than trying to butterfly the whole breast and roll it up, and it works just as well!

How to Customize Your Stuffed Chicken

• Add Prosciutto: For a salty, savory twist, add a thin slice of prosciutto inside the pocket with the other fillings.

• Pesto Power: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto inside the pocket before adding the cheese and tomato for an extra burst of herby flavor.

• Different Cheese: While fresh mozzarella is classic, a slice of provolone or fontina would also melt beautifully.

• Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the inside of the pocket and the outside of the chicken generously with salt and pepper before baking!

FAQs (Your Questions Answered)

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

1. Don’t overstuff the pocket.

2. Ensure you secure the opening well with toothpicks.

3. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.

What do I serve with it?
This chicken is incredibly versatile!

• For a Light Meal: A simple arugula salad.

• For a Hearty Meal: Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with a side of roasted potatoes.

• For a Low-Carb Meal: Pair with roasted asparagus or broccoli.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the stuffing). It should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.

The Final Touch

See? Elegant cooking doesn’t require a dozen ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With a few simple, high-quality components, you can create a meal that is both beautiful and delicious.

This 5-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast is exactly what Flavor Flux is all about—empowering you to create delicious, uncomplicated food that brings joy to your table.

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5-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Print Recipe

This elegant Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast requires only 5 ingredients! Juicy chicken filled with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil, then drizzled with balsamic glaze.

• Total Time: 40
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 thin slices

• 1 large Roma tomato, thinly sliced

• 8 large fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a small sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through to the other side.

3. Season the inside of each pocket with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Stuff each pocket with 2 slices of mozzarella, 2-3 tomato slices, and 2 basil leaves. Use toothpicks to secure the openings.

5. Rub the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks.

8. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Notes

• Toothpick Tip: Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!

• Cheese Leakage: Some cheese may leak out—that’s okay! It gets deliciously crispy in the pan.

• Balsamic Substitute: If you don’t have glaze, simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small pan until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 10 minutes).

• Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest after baking is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is moist and the cheese filling has time to set slightly.

• Author: Emma Carter
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free