Description
This Caprese Hasselback Chicken recipe is a delicious and elegant twist on classic chicken breast, stuffed with fresh mozzarella and tomato slices, seasoned with Italian spices, and topped with a sweet balsamic reduction and fresh basil. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 1 Roma tomato, cut into slices and then cut in half
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Balsamic Reduction
- ½ cup (127.5 g) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken Slits: Make 5 to 6 slits in each chicken breast, spaced about ½-inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the chicken onto the lined baking sheet.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season Chicken: Brush the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat both the outside and inside the slits thoroughly.
- Stuff Chicken: Insert one slice of fresh mozzarella and half a slice of Roma tomato into each slit to create the signature Hasselback filling.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the stuffed chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
- Make Balsamic Reduction: While the chicken is baking, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish Reduction: Remove the balsamic reduction from heat and stir in honey until fully combined. Set aside.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, top with chopped fresh basil and drizzle generously with the balsamic reduction. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making slits to keep the filling in place.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting texture and flavor.
- The balsamic reduction can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
