Cheesy Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe: Italian Delight Made Simple

Tender chicken breasts meet their match in this mouthwatering caprese hasselback chicken recipe that blends classic Italian flavors with stunning presentation.

Each slice reveals a gorgeous pattern of melted mozzarella and fresh basil nestled between golden-brown chicken layers.

The technique looks complex but comes together with surprising ease and minimal effort.

Juicy chicken absorbs the rich marinara and herbs, creating a delectable main course that screams summer elegance.

Sharp parmesan and bright tomatoes add depth and complexity to every single bite.

This dish turns an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread to complete this irresistible meal.

Tips to Make Juicy Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Experiment with different mozzarella varieties like buffalo, fresh, or smoked to add unique flavor profiles to your chicken.
• Substitute chicken breasts with turkey or boneless pork chops for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
• Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to create a garden-fresh taste sensation.
• Add a kick by sprinkling red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Prepare the chicken up to the point of baking and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making meal prep a breeze.

Ways to Plate Caprese Hasselback Chicken Beautifully

• Elegant Entertaining Platter: Arrange the Caprese Hasselback Chicken on a large wooden board with scattered fresh basil leaves, creating a stunning centerpiece that impresses dinner guests with minimal effort.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetable medley to complement the chicken's rich, tangy flavors and add beautiful color to your plate.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform remaining chicken into a delightful sandwich or salad topping the next day, slicing it thinly and adding extra balsamic drizzle for a quick, gourmet lunch option.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this dish with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which beautifully balances the chicken's caprese-style richness and acidic balsamic notes.

Saving and Reheating Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple chicken breasts simultaneously and store extras in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. Refrigerated portions stay fresh up to 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. These prepared meals can last up to 2 months and provide convenient grab-and-go protein options for busy schedules.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Slice cheese and tomatoes ahead of time, storing them separately in sealed containers within the refrigerator. This method saves precious cooking minutes and ensures ingredients remain crisp and fresh.
• Nutritional Portioning: Use kitchen scales to divide chicken into consistent serving sizes, making meal tracking and dietary planning super simple. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious home cooks wanting precise protein measurements.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 27 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

Calories: 358 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, high-quality chicken with no discoloration for the most tender and flavorful foundation of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps to create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich, smooth flavor to the chicken.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: These spices work together to create a vibrant, aromatic coating that elevates the chicken's natural taste and provides depth of flavor.
• Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy balsamic and complements the savory chicken.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a complex, slightly acidic tang that brightens the entire dish and creates a glossy, rich reduction.

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Choose a creamy, soft variety that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious, stretchy texture when baked.
• Roma Tomato: Select a ripe, firm tomato that adds juicy freshness and classic Caprese-style color.
• Fresh Basil: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting to provide a fragrant, herbaceous finish that connects all the flavors.

Tools for Preparing Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Baking Sheet: Flat, rimmed pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent chicken from sticking and simplify washing.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for creating precise slits in chicken breasts without cutting through.
• Small Bowl: For mixing seasoning oil and combining ingredients.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for reducing balsamic vinegar to create delicious sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and honey.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly coating chicken with seasoned oil.

Steps to Cook Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 400°F oven and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Chicken Slicing

Carefully carve elegant accordion-like cuts into each chicken breast, creating perfect pockets for delicious surprises.

• Flavor Infusion

Whip together a zesty blend of aromatic seasonings, coating every nook and cranny of the chicken with mouthwatering goodness.

• Cheese and Tomato Nestling

Gently tuck tangy cheese slices and juicy tomato halves into each delicate slit, creating a colorful flavor landscape.

• Baking Magic

Let the chicken transform in the oven, turning golden and crispy while cheese melts into dreamy pockets of deliciousness.

• Balsamic Elegance

Craft a luxurious sauce by simmering balsamic vinegar until it becomes a rich, glossy reduction with a touch of honey sweetness.

• Final Flourish

Crown your masterpiece with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of the glossy balsamic sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Succulent Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Juicy chicken breasts filled with caprese hasselback chicken bring Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a mouthwatering meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz (113 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 0.25-inch (0.6 cm) slices
• 1 Roma tomato, sliced and halved
• 0.5 cup (120 mL) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) honey
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice 5-6 parallel cuts across each chicken breast, stopping short of cutting through completely.
2. Season and Marinade: Whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Thoroughly coat the chicken, massaging the seasoned oil into each strategic slit.
3. Layer and Stuff: Carefully nestle alternating slices of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomato into the prepared cuts, allowing the vibrant ingredients to peek through the chicken’s surface.
4. Roast to Perfection: Transfer the prepared chicken to the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when verified with a meat thermometer.
5. Create Balsamic Reduction: Simultaneously, simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces by half and thickens. Whisk in honey until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Finish and Serve: Adorn the golden-brown chicken with fresh basil leaves and elegantly drizzle the balsamic honey reduction over the top just before presenting the dish.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Make precise, evenly spaced cuts without slicing completely through the chicken to create the classic Hasselback design that allows seasonings and cheese to nestle perfectly.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the critical 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every single time.
• Cheese Placement Tip: Alternate mozzarella and tomato slices carefully between cuts to maximize flavor distribution and create a visually stunning presentation.
• Balsamic Reduction Secrets: Watch the vinegar closely while reducing to prevent burning, stirring occasionally and removing from heat when the liquid becomes slightly syrupy and coats the back of a spoon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 358
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 755 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg