The Easiest Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Caprese hasselback chicken reinvents ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece that sings with Mediterranean charm.

Elegant knife cuts create pockets that cradle vibrant ingredients, promising an explosion of flavor in each carefully crafted slice.

The fusion of classic Italian elements elevates this simple protein into a restaurant-worthy meal anyone can master at home.

Tender meat becomes a delectable canvas for bright, fresh layers that dance across your taste buds.

Mozzarella melts seductively between strategic cuts, while herbs and tomatoes infuse remarkable depth into every succulent bite.

Weeknight cooking suddenly feels sophisticated and exciting, turning an everyday protein into something truly spectacular.

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward yet impressive method of preparing chicken that guarantees deliciousness.

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken breasts carefully, stopping just short of slicing through completely to maintain structural integrity.
• Maximize Flavor Penetration: Use a pastry brush to ensure seasoned oil reaches deep into each slit for maximum taste coverage.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant and authentic caprese experience.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
• Balsamic Reduction Technique: Watch the vinegar closely while simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve perfect syrupy consistency.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Caprese Hasselback Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
• Reheating Method: Warm chicken gently in the oven at 350°F to prevent drying out. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwaving to preserve the chicken's crispy edges and tender texture.
• Best Practices: Add fresh basil leaves and balsamic reduction after reheating to restore the bright, vibrant flavors. Discard any leftovers that have been stored for more than 4 days or show signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.

Perfect Pairings for Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the fresh tomato and basil flavors, cutting through the richness of the melted cheese with their bright, acidic notes.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Rosemary or thyme-seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty side that echoes the Italian seasoning in the chicken, creating a harmonious plate.
• Serve with Light Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds peppery freshness that balances the rich, cheesy chicken and provides a crisp textural contrast.
• Enhance with Rustic Bread: Crusty Italian bread or focaccia helps soak up the delicious balsamic reduction and allows guests to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Fun Caprese Hasselback Chicken Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add crumbled feta cheese between chicken slits for a Greek-inspired version.
• Smoky Southwestern Style: Replace Italian seasoning with chipotle powder, stuff slits with pepper jack cheese and roasted green chiles, then drizzle with cilantro-lime crema.
• Creamy Spinach Parmesan Infusion: Fill chicken slits with chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan, then sprinkle with garlic powder for an extra rich profile.
• Mediterranean Olive Burst: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes between cheese slices, use oregano instead of Italian seasoning, and finish with a lemony herb drizzle.

Why Caprese Hasselback Chicken Is a Showstopper

• Revolutionize Chicken Presentation: Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a stunning, visually appealing dish with elegant hasselback cuts that create perfect pockets for cheese and tomato.
• Burst of Mediterranean Flavors: Combine classic caprese ingredients like fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes with perfectly seasoned chicken, delivering an explosion of Italian-inspired taste in every bite.
• Foolproof Gourmet Cooking: Achieve restaurant-quality results with a simple technique that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal game.
• Quick and Healthy Weeknight Winner: Prepare a nutritious, low-fat meal in under 45 minutes that's packed with protein and fresh ingredients, ideal for busy families seeking delicious and effortless dinner solutions.

What Goes into Caprese Hasselback Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the dish, preferably fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture to the chicken slits.

• Tomatoes, Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, fresh components that provide classic caprese flavor and visual appeal.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spice mix that enhances overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and prevents chicken from drying out during baking.
• Balsamic Vinegar, Honey: Creates a rich, sweet-tangy reduction sauce that complements the chickens savory notes.

Easy Steps to Make Caprese Hasselback Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken Breasts

Carefully cut 5-6 evenly spaced slits into each chicken breast, keeping the bottom intact.

Step 3: Prepare Flavor Blend

• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Brush the seasoned oil mixture generously over the chicken breasts, making sure to get into each slit for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Tomato Goodness

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

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cook the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.

Step 7: Create Balsamic Magic

In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Sweeten the Reduction

Remove the balsamic sauce from heat and stir in honey until completely dissolved, creating a sweet and tangy drizzle.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top each chicken breast with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with the homemade balsamic reduction for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Caprese Hasselback Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caprese Hasselback Chicken delivers Italian-inspired flavors with dramatic sliced presentation. Mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil nestle between chicken breast cuts, creating a Mediterranean masterpiece you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese, Tomato, and Garnish:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 0.25-inch (0.6 centimeters) slices
• 1 Roma tomato, sliced and halved
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Carefully slice 5-6 evenly spaced parallel cuts across each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
3. Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
4. Generously coat the chicken breasts with the seasoned oil mixture, ensuring the marinade penetrates between each carefully crafted slit.
5. Insert alternating slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and ripe tomato into each strategic cut, allowing the ingredients to peek through.
6. Transfer the prepared chicken to the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Meanwhile, prepare the balsamic reduction by pouring balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce the heat and simmer the vinegar, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by approximately half and begins to thicken slightly.
9. Remove the balsamic reduction from heat and whisk in honey until completely incorporated, creating a smooth and glossy sauce.
10. Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with the luxurious balsamic honey reduction just before serving.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts carefully, creating 5-6 even cuts without fully separating the pieces.
• Generously coat chicken with seasoned oil, ensuring each slit receives complete flavor coverage.
• Layer thin cheese and tomato slices strategically within each delicate chicken cut for maximum taste sensation.
• Create a rich balsamic reduction by slowly simmering vinegar until naturally thickened and glossy.
• Finish the dish with vibrant fresh basil leaves and a luxurious honey-infused balsamic drizzle.
• Bake until chicken reaches perfect internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy and safe protein experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg