Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Balsamic Glaze

These baked Caprese stuffed chicken thighs are bursting with delicious Italian flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are filled with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic, inspired by the classic Caprese salad. Drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze, this easy chicken dish makes an impressive entrée for dinner parties or family meals. Read on for pro tips on baking chicken thighs.

Benefits of Baked Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Baked stuffed chicken thighs have advantages over breasts or other cuts:

Juicier Meat

Chicken thighs stay moist during baking.

More Flavor

Thighs have a rich, meaty taste.

Hard to Overcook

The fat keeps them tender even with longer baking.

Budget Friendly

Chicken thighs cost less than breasts.

Easy to Stuff

Thighs have pocket in the bone for filling.

Picking the Best Chicken Thighs for Stuffing

Look for:

Bone-In Thighs

The bone adds moisture and makes a pocket for filling.

Skin-On

The skin keeps meat juicy and crisps up beautifully.

Similar Sizes

Uniform sizing means even cooking.

Good Marbling

Some fat marbling ensures tender, juicy results.

Baking Tips for Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Use these techniques for the best baked stuffed chicken thighs:

Brown the Skin First

Crisp the skin by browning thighs in a pan before baking.

Pat Skin Dry

Remove excess moisture so skin browns well.

Truss Thighs

Tying with twine secures filling during cooking.

Bake at High Heat

400-425°F helps skin crisp without overdrying meat.

How to Make Caprese Stuffed Chicken Thighs

This recipe delivers Italian flavors in every bite:

Ingredients:

Chicken thighs, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper.

Directions:

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Fill each thigh pocket with mozzarella, tomato, basil, and minced garlic.

3. Truss thighs closed with twine and brown skin in an oiled pan.

4. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

More Creative Ways to Stuff Chicken Thighs

Mix and match delicious fillings like:

- Sundried tomatoes, feta, spinach

- Black beans, corn, peppers, cheddar

- Apples, sausage, cheddar

- Ham, swiss cheese, Dijon mustard

Side Dishes for Cheesy Baked Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Pair stuffed chicken thighs with:

Polenta

Creamy, hearty soft polenta.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty bread baked with garlic butter.

Pasta Salad

Chickpea pasta salad with vegetables.

Risotto

Creamy Parmesan risotto.

Simple Yet Impressive Italian-Stuffed Chicken Thighs

These Caprese inspired stuffed chicken thighs are easy to throw together but feel fancy and flavorful. The melty cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic perfectly emulate the classic Italian salad layered on juicy baked chicken. Drizzled with sweet balsamic glaze, they make an elegant yet effortless dinner for any occasion.

5 FAQs about Caprese Stuffed Chicken Thighs

1. How long do you bake stuffed chicken thighs?

Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until chicken thighs register 165°F internally.

2. What goes well with Caprese chicken?

Polenta, pasta salad, risotto, bruschetta, grilled vegetables pair deliciously.

3. How can you tell when stuffed chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to test doneness - it should reach 165°F in the thickest part.

4. What is the best cheese for stuffed chicken thighs?

Mozzarella, provolone, feta, goat cheese, brie, and cheddar work well.

5. How do you keep stuffing in chicken thighs?

Secure filling by trussing thighs closed with kitchen twine before baking.