Zesty Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe: A Fresh Summer Delight

Juicy chicken breasts transform into a mouthwatering caprese hasselback chicken marvel that’ll make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Slicing creates elegant pockets filled with vibrant ingredients.

Melted mozzarella cascades between crispy golden edges, promising an explosion of mediterranean flavors.

Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch to this elegant dish.

Tomatoes burst with sweet and tangy notes, complementing the tender meat perfectly.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Why Caprese Hasselback Chicken Tastes So Good

• Quick and Easy Meal: Prepare a gourmet-style chicken dish with minimal kitchen skills and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Impress dinner guests or family members with a visually stunning chicken recipe that looks professionally crafted but requires basic cooking techniques.
• Healthier Dinner Option: Enjoy a low-carb, protein-packed meal bursting with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella that provide delicious nutrition without complicated preparation.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Adaptable recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings that can be customized with different herbs and cheese variations to suit personal preferences.

Ingredients for Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy base for this delicious caprese-style dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that melts beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, fresh red gems that add bright flavor.

• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth cooking oil.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb mix for classic Italian flavor.
• Paprika: Warm, slightly smoky spice.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for enhancing taste.
• Black Pepper: Mild, spicy seasoning.

Reduction Ingredients:

• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy, sweet reduction base.
• Honey: Natural sweetener for balancing vinegar's sharpness.

Garnish:

• Fresh Basil: Fragrant, green herb with classic Italian profile.

How to Prepare Caprese Hasselback Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Chicken Slits

Carefully cut 5-6 evenly spaced slits into each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through.

Gently place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Mix Flavor-Packed Seasoning

• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a harmonious marinade.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Generously brush the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat the inside of each slit for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Build Caprese Magic

• A slice of fresh mozzarella
• Half a slice of ripe tomato

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Create Balsamic Reduction

• Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
• Reduce heat to medium-low
• Stir occasionally until the liquid reduces by half
• The reduction should be thick enough to coat a spoon

Step 8: Finish the Reduction

Remove the pan from heat and stir in honey.

Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the cooked chicken

Drizzle with the luscious balsamic reduction

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips for Making Perfect Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Cut chicken slits carefully, keeping the bottom intact to create a fan-like appearance without separating the pieces completely.
• Alternate mozzarella and tomato slices in each slit for even flavor distribution and beautiful presentation.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
• Reduce balsamic vinegar slowly and stir occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a thick, glossy consistency.
• Add fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant green color and intense aromatic flavor.

How to Store and Warm Up Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings for Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Perfect Pairings for Caprese Hasselback Chicken
• Refresh with Italian White Wine: Crisp pinot grigio or light-bodied vermentino complements the tangy tomato and creamy mozzarella, cutting through the chicken's richness with bright acidity.
• Create Herbal Salad Companion: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, fresh shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to echo the dish's Mediterranean flavors and provide a peppery contrast.
• Roast Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Slice baby potatoes, toss with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan, then roast until golden and crispy, offering a complementary starchy side that matches the chicken's Italian-inspired profile.
• Pour Sparkling Prosecco: Select a light, bubbly prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the meal's fresh ingredients and adding a celebratory touch to the dining experience.

Different Twists on Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with gluten-free herb blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Carb Caprese Option: Skip honey in balsamic reduction, use monk sweetener instead. Replace tomato slices with roasted red pepper strips for fewer carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Use coconut oil instead of regular oil for added flavor and alignment with dairy-free requirements.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Select skin-on chicken breasts for higher fat content. Replace honey with sugar-free alternative like stevia. Use full-fat mozzarella and add extra virgin olive oil to increase healthy fat percentage.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this Caprese Hasselback Chicken?

The key flavors are fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and a sweet-tangy balsamic reduction that combines Italian-inspired ingredients for a vibrant and delicious dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While mozzarella is traditional for Caprese style, you can substitute with provolone or fresh buffalo mozzarella for similar melting qualities and flavor profiles.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist while baking?

Create thin, even slits without cutting through completely, brush with seasoned oil, and avoid overcooking. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

• Is the balsamic reduction necessary for the recipe?

The balsamic reduction adds a rich, sweet-tangy depth that complements the fresh ingredients, but you can skip it if desired. However, it significantly enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent Caprese Hasselback Chicken blends Italian flavors with elegant presentation, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinner. Layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil nestled between tender chicken slices promise a delightful culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper

Toppings and Garnishes:

• 4 ounces (113 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 Roma tomato, cut into slices and then cut in half
• fresh basil, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Carefully create 5-6 evenly spaced vertical cuts along each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
3. Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend by mixing oil, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
4. Thoroughly coat the chicken’s exterior and interior slits with the aromatic seasoning mixture, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
5. Strategically tuck alternating mozzarella cheese slices and halved tomato pieces into each precisely cut slit, creating a visually appealing and tasty presentation.
6. Transfer the prepared chicken to the lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
7. While the chicken roasts, prepare the balsamic reduction by pouring vinegar into a saucepan and heating over medium-high heat.
8. Bring the vinegar to a rapid boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring periodically until the liquid reduces by half and thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
9. Remove the reduced vinegar from heat and incorporate honey, creating a rich and glossy balsamic drizzle.
10. Once chicken is fully cooked, garnish with fresh basil leaves and generously drizzle with the honey-infused balsamic reduction.
11. Serve immediately, showcasing the beautifully layered and flavor-packed Caprese Hasselback Chicken.

Notes

• Carefully choose chicken breasts of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent appearance.
• Slice the chicken slowly and gently to prevent cutting through completely, keeping the base intact for a beautiful Hasselback presentation.
• Use a sharp knife and cut perpendicular to the cutting board when creating slits to maintain clean, precise openings.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the oil and spices adhere better and create a more flavorful exterior.
• Select fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella for maximum flavor and texture in the dish.
• Monitor balsamic reduction closely to prevent burning, as it can quickly go from perfectly reduced to scorched.
• Opt for low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid and ensure a crispy, golden cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 52g
• Cholesterol: 140mg