A simple and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, optionally finished with a balsamic glaze.
Prepare the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Make the stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Stuff the chicken: Evenly divide the cheese and tomato mixture and stuff it into the pockets of the chicken breasts. You can secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to prevent cheese from leaking.
Season the chicken: Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Cook the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
To prevent cheese from leaking, ensure you don’t overstuff the chicken pockets and consider using toothpicks to secure the opening.
For a Hasselback style, slice the chicken almost all the way through at 1/2-inch intervals, then stuff the cheese mixture into the slices.
Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.