Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Tomato Basil Sauce

Introduction

This recipe takes chicken breasts to the next level by stuffing them with a cheesy caprese filling. Tender chicken is stuffed with creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil. The breasts are then baked until perfectly cooked, resting atop a simple tomato basil sauce. Every bite contains an ooey gooey pocket of cheese and fresh tomato. Served with pasta or zucchini noodles, this easy yet impressive dish makes a restaurant-worthy dinner. The classic caprese flavors of tomato, basil and mozzarella blend beautifully in this fun twist on chicken parmesan.

Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes provide ample health benefits:

• Excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant for heart health
• Vitamin C, potassium and folate
• Reduces inflammation and blood pressure
• Powerful anticancer effects
• Antioxidants like beta-carotene

Cooking tomatoes boosts their nutritional bioavailability.

Nutrition Facts

1 medium tomato contains:

• 25 calories
• 5g carbs
• 1g fiber
• 17% DV vitamin C
• 12% DV vitamin K

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Fresh mozzarella
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

Prep the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts to make a pocket for stuffing. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Filling

Chop and mix together mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and seasonings.

Stuff the Chicken

Divide tomato filling evenly among chicken breasts, mounding in the pocket.

Make Tomato Sauce

Simmer diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Bake

Arrange stuffed chicken atop tomato sauce. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes.

Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon over extra tomato sauce.

Tips

• Look for firm, ripe tomatoes for filling.
• Use fresh mozzarella if possible.
• Stuff generously while keeping filling contained.
• Bake until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Garnish with extra basil and parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this saucy stuffed chicken with:

• Pasta or zucchini noodles
• Garlic bread or rolls
• Steamed broccoli
• Green salad

Storage

Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in oven or microwave.

Freeze extras in freezer bags up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

This baked caprese stuffed chicken breast recipe delivers a delicious mouthful of cheesy tomato basil goodness in every bite. The savory filling pairs perfectly with the baked chicken and fresh tomato sauce. Quick, easy yet impressive, this recipe makes chicken dinner far from boring. Enjoy these restaurant-quality flavors and presentation at home!

FAQs

What veggies work in the filling?

Try spinach, roasted red peppers or sundried tomatoes for variation.

Can you use jarred sauce?

Yes, substitute high-quality pasta sauce if short on time.

What sides work well?

Roasted potatoes, pasta, rice or a green salad complement it nicely.

How long does it last refrigerated?

About 3 days stored properly in the fridge.

Can you freeze the dish?

Yes, freeze individual portions up to 2-3 months.