Description
This Caprese Hasselback Chicken recipe is a flavorful, visually stunning dish featuring tender chicken breasts sliced and stuffed with fresh mozzarella and Roma tomatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, then baked to perfection. Finished with a sweet and tangy homemade balsamic reduction and fresh basil garnish, it makes a perfect elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
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 (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Chicken Slits: Make 5 to 6 vertical slits in each chicken breast, spacing them about ½-inch apart. Be careful not to slice all the way through, so the chicken holds its shape while cooking. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful seasoning mixture.
- Season Chicken: Brush the seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken, including inside each slit, ensuring every part is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Stuff Slits: Insert one slice of fresh mozzarella and a half slice of Roma tomato into each slit in the chicken breasts, creating a beautiful hasselback effect filled with melty cheese and fresh tomato.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Prepare Balsamic Reduction: While the chicken bakes, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally and cook until the liquid is reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish Reduction: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the honey until fully combined. Set the balsamic reduction aside to cool slightly.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from oven. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Be sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making the slits to keep the fillings secure during baking.
- The balsamic reduction can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature to avoid under or overcooking.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with baby arugula or spinach if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes in the seasoning mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
