Hey there, foodies! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Caprese Hasselback Chicken. This dish is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a total crowd-pleaser. Imagine juicy chicken breasts infused with the classic flavors of a Caprese salad – fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of balsamic sweetness. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer!
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: 15 minutes
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: 25-30 minutes
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: 4
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: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour3.
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: The combination of savory chicken, creamy mozzarella, and sweet tomatoes is simply irresistible2.
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: The Hasselback technique makes this dish look fancy, but it’s secretly super easy3.
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: Serve it with pasta, salad, roasted veggies, or even on a sandwich – the possibilities are endless2.
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: Naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!2
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)5
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2 tablespoons olive oil1
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1
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1 teaspoon paprika1
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1 teaspoon kosher salt1
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½ teaspoon black pepper1
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4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into ¼-inch slices1
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2 Roma tomatoes, sliced and halved1
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¾ cup fresh basil leaves, divided (½ cup chopped, ¼ cup for garnish)2
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3 tablespoons basil pesto (optional, but highly recommended!)2
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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or avocado oil13.
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: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear in the oven3.
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: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and make 5-6 slits across the top, being careful not to cut all the way through13. You want the bottom to stay intact so the fillings don’t fall out.
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: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper1. Brush this mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to get in between the slits1.
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: Now comes the fun part! Place a slice of mozzarella and a half-slice of tomato into each slit13. If you’re using pesto, spread a little bit inside each slit as well3.
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: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)13. Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
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: While the chicken is baking, you can make a quick balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey1. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by half and thickened slightly. Watch it carefully, as it can burn easily.
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: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil13. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction (if using) and serve immediately.
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: Toss with your favorite pasta and a little extra pesto for a complete meal2.
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: Serve over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option2.
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: Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious side3.
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: Slice the chicken and serve it on toasted bread with some extra mozzarella and pesto12.
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: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan1.
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: Use cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or any other variety you like12.
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: Add other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor2.
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: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a little heat1.
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: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking for even more flavor4.
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Yes, you can assemble the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Yes, but make sure they are completely thawed before you start.
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Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish, as the tomatoes and mozzarella may become watery. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts on their own.
Enjoy this Caprese Hasselback Chicken! I know you’ll love it! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you.
