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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Carefully slice 5-6 evenly spaced parallel cuts across each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
- Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Generously coat the chicken breasts with the seasoned oil mixture, ensuring the marinade penetrates between each carefully crafted slit.
- Insert alternating slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and ripe tomato into each strategic cut, allowing the ingredients to peek through.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, prepare the balsamic reduction by pouring balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the vinegar, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by approximately half and begins to thicken slightly.
- Remove the balsamic reduction from heat and whisk in honey until completely incorporated, creating a smooth and glossy sauce.
- 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