Caprese Hasselback Chicken
This recipe combines the juicy flavors of caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil) with the visual appeal and crispy texture of hasselback chicken.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (divided)
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch)
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, make careful, even cuts across the width of each chicken breast, stopping about 1/4 inch from the bottom. Don’t cut all the way through! You want the chicken to remain one piece.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture generously over the chicken breasts, making sure to get some in between the slices.
- Assemble the caprese filling: Stuff each pocket of the hasselback chicken with a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a small basil leaf. If some filling doesn’t fit, reserve it for later.
- Bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining chopped fresh basil over the cooked chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- For thicker chicken breasts, you might need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- To make sure your cuts are even, you can use a chopstick or two placed on either side of the chicken breast as a guide while cutting.
- If you prefer a thicker cheese layer, you can use slightly thicker slices of mozzarella or add an extra layer in each pocket.
- Want to add a pesto twist? Spread a thin layer of pesto over the chicken before adding the caprese filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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