Caprese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Balsamic Reduction

Recipe View In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. (5 mins)

Recipe View Place the pounded chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. (4 hours+)

Recipe View While the chicken marinates, prepare the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the balsamic vinegar to a gentle simmer. (2 mins)

Recipe View Allow the vinegar to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced to about half its original volume and has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to burn the vinegar. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The reduction will continue to thicken as it cools. (20 mins)

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the used marinade. (5 mins)

Recipe View Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean work surface. Evenly distribute the fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese slices, and tomato slices over each chicken breast. (5 mins)

Recipe View Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end and tucking in the sides as you go. Secure the rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. (10 mins)

Recipe View Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, seam-side down. (2 mins)

Recipe View Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. This step adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices. (10 mins)

Recipe View Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. (15 mins)

Recipe View Remove the skillet from the oven and let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. (5 mins)

Recipe View To serve, remove the toothpicks and drizzle the balsamic reduction over the stuffed chicken breasts. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!