Chicken breasts filled with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—baked and served with balsamic glaze for a fresh Italian dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken Preparation
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
→ Filling
06 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
08 - 12 large fresh basil leaves
→ Finishing
09 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
10 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, create a deep pocket in the side of each breast without slicing through.
03 - Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs both inside and outside the chicken pockets.
04 - Stuff each pocket with 1 to 2 slices of mozzarella, 2 to 3 slices of tomato, and 3 fresh basil leaves. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden.
06 - Transfer skillet to oven, or place chicken in prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
07 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with additional basil leaves before serving.