Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

An Italian-Inspired Chicken Dinner

This baked Caprese stuffed chicken breast recipe brings all the fresh, Italian flavors to your dinner table. Tender chicken gets stuffed with a mixture of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomato, fragrant basil, then baked until perfectly melted and juicy. Topped with a sweet sun-dried tomato sauce, this chicken dinner is like a vacation for your taste buds!

The combination of savory chicken, melty cheese, bright tomatoes and herbs makes a delightful stuffed chicken recipe the whole family will request again and again. While cooking chicken breasts can often dry them out, baking keeps these stuffed chickens super moist and delicious. Let's get started on an amazing Italian chicken dinner.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this easy stuffed chicken recipe (for 4 servings):

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

That's all you need for incredible stuffed chicken breasts with tons of flavor. Now let's get to the easy assembly and baking method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how quick and easy these Caprese stuffed chickens come together:

Prep the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Cut a horizontal slit into the side of each, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

Fill the Chicken

Stuff the cheese and tomato mixture into the slits in each chicken breast, pressing gently to contain.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and 1⁄4 cup water. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake

Arrange stuffed chicken in a baking dish. Brush with sauce. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Finish and Serve

Remove from oven, drizzle with any remaining sauce. Garnish with basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead Tips

To get a head start, try these shortcuts:

• Assemble the stuffed chicken 1 day in advance.
• Store stuffed breasts in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Make sun-dried tomato sauce up to 5 days ahead.
• Cook chicken as directed before serving.

With the chicken stuffed ahead of time, you’ll cut down on cooking day prep!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this saucy chicken dish with sides like:

• Pasta with pesto or marinara
• Rice pilaf or risotto
• Roasted potatoes or polenta
• Sautéed zucchini or squash
• Green salad or Caesar salad
• Warm breadsticks or focaccia

A nice glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio wine would be delicious with this chicken in true Italian style!

Storage and Leftovers

For tasty leftovers, follow these storage tips:

• Allow cooked chicken to cool before refrigerating.
• Store leftover stuffed chicken and sauce separately.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat chicken gently in the microwave until warmed through.
• Add sauce just before serving.

With proper storage, you'll still enjoy all the flavors of this baked stuffed chicken later in the week!

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred works fine! Rinse and pat dry before using if packed in oil.

Do I need toothpicks to contain the filling?

No, if you slice the pockets properly the filling should stay contained while baking.

Can I prep this dish in advance?

Yes, stuff the chicken up to 1 day ahead and store chilled until ready to bake.

What sides pair well with this chicken?

Pasta, risotto, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad would all complement it nicely.

The Takeaway

This baked Caprese stuffed chicken breast recipe delivers a taste of Italy with minimal fuss. With juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil and tomatoes, it makes a complete Italian-inspired meal with little effort. Drizzled with sweet sun-dried tomato sauce, this chicken dinner will transport you! Squeeze in a little stay-at-home vacation any night of the week with this simple yet flavorful baked stuffed chicken.

Conclusion

Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce bring the flavors of Italy to your dinner table. Tender chicken gets stuffed with a fresh mix of mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil. Baking keeps the chicken super moist and infuses everything with delicious flavor. Topped with a quick homemade sun-dried tomato sauce, this recipe makes an easy yet impressive Italian meal. With just a few simple ingredients and hands-off baking, you can enjoy these restaurant-quality stuffed chicken breasts any night of the week!

FAQs

How do I reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat chilled stuffed chicken in the microwave until warmed through. Add fresh sauce to serve.

What sides go well with this chicken?

Try pasta, risotto, roasted veggies, polenta, or a fresh salad.

What drink pairs best with this meal?

An Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a Chianti would complement the flavors nicely.

Do I need toothpicks to hold the stuffing in?

No, if the chicken pockets are sliced properly the stuffing should stay contained.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, substitute chopped fresh or canned tomatoes for the sun-dried in the sauce.