I love cheese and Caprese Salad is one of my favorite things to eat. Delicious mozzarella with tomatoes alone is delicious. Add the basil leaves and rich olive oil? I can’t even write about it without salivating. This is why I paired it with my favorite protein, chicken.
I take breaks from eating meat now and then. While I know vegetarians and vegans would shake their head in disproval, I have been unable to remain a vegetarian full-time. However, I love trying vegetarian recipes and hope to incorporate them more and more into my diet. I may never be fully vegetarian again, but I am enjoying trying a different assortment of recipes!
For my non-vegetarian friends, enjoy this Caprese Stuffed Chicken!
Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
(per serving)
1 Chicken Breast (with Skin)
2 Medium Tomatoes
2 Bocconcini Mozzarella Cheese Balls
1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
1-2 Tbsp Italian Spice Blend
2 Strips Bacon
Salt & Pepper
1 Tbsp Butter or Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic
1 Green onion, sliced
Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a sharp knife, slice parallel to skin down the length of breast, without cutting all the way through. It should make a little pocket, not be completely removed.
Slice the garlic clove lengthwise and rub it all over the chicken breasts. Save the garlic cloves and mince them. Take some softened butter and rub over the chicken and then season the chicken with salt and pepper. Get this inside the pocket, too. Coat with Italian seasoning and bread crumbs.
Slice the bocconcini, green onion and tomatoes; season with salt and pepper.
In an oven safe skillet, place the strips of bacon and slices of green onion in the pan.
Stuff the chicken pocket with the sliced mozzarella, tomatoes and diced garlic. You can also add fresh leaves of Basil.
I had debated wrapping the chicken with the bacon strips but I liked having it over stuffed and having tomatoes and cheese fall out. You can do what you prefer.
Place it in the pan and allow it to cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, basting with it with the bacon grease/butter.
Place the skillet in the oven for about 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Enjoy!