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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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