Wednesday Low Carb Dinner: Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Mozzarella, tomato, and basil stuffed inside chicken breast — caprese meets low carb dinner. Italian flavors, zero pasta required.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 315 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #low carb
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • chicken breast 24 oz
  • fresh mozzarella 6 oz
  • Roma tomato 2 pieces
  • fresh basil leaves 12 leaves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • dried Italian herbs 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 5 g 6%
Protein 46 g 59%
Fat 13 g 35%
Serving size 190g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly oil it.

  2. 2

    Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

  3. 3

    Layer inside each chicken pocket 2 oz of mozzarella, a few basil leaves, and 2-3 thin slices of tomato. Press to secure the filling.

  4. 4

    Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs on both sides.

  5. 5

    Secure the chicken with toothpicks if needed to keep stuffing intact. Sear chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side to create a golden crust.

  6. 6

    Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, then bake for 18–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and cheese is melted.

  7. 7

    Let rest 5 minutes before slicing, then serve warm with any pan juices spooned over the top.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is chicken breast, which acts as both the main protein and the vessel for the classic caprese filling of mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Together, they define the dish's flavor and low carb profile.
Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?
Fresh basil delivers the signature aromatic freshness, while a final drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds brightness and depth, closely echoing a traditional caprese salad.
Q. How do I prevent the chicken and cheese from drying out?
Searing the chicken fast over medium-high heat and then baking just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F ensures juicy meat and melted cheese. Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each serving provides 315 kcal, with 46g protein (59% of calories), 5g carbs (6%), and 13g fat (35%), making it an excellent high protein and low carb dinner option.
Q. Why is this considered a Mediterranean-style recipe?
With olive oil, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella as star ingredients, and an emphasis on fresh herbs and lean poultry, the recipe captures Mediterranean flavors and fits well within that diet profile.
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