Chicken Caprese (Air Fryer Recipe) – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Part 1: Detailed Recipe
What is Chicken Caprese?
Chicken Caprese is a simple and tasty dish where chicken breasts are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes, then cooked in an air fryer. After cooking, a sweet balsamic glaze and fresh basil are added on top. It’s perfect for a quick dinner for two or can be doubled for a family of four.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are fast, use less energy, and are great for cooking small meals. They make the chicken juicy and reduce cooking time.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 oz / 55g mozzarella cheese (sliced)
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1 large tomato (cut into half-moon slices)
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½ cup balsamic vinegar
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze
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Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small pan.
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Heat it on medium heat until it starts to boil.
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Let it simmer until it gets thicker and reduces to half.
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Remove it from heat and let it cool down.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
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Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel.
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Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to make 4–5 cuts (3/4 of the way through, not all the way).
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Season both the outside and inside of the cuts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
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Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
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Lightly brush oil on the air fryer basket.
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Place the chicken breasts in the basket and cook for 6 minutes.
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Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 6 minutes.
Step 4: Add Filling and Finish Cooking
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Take the chicken out of the air fryer.
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Stuff the slits with mozzarella cheese slices and tomato slices.
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Put the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes, or until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Step 5: Serve
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
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Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
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Serve immediately while hot.
What to Serve With Chicken Caprese
You can serve it with:
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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
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Fettucine Alfredo
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Garlic Bread
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Caesar Salad
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Risotto
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Cheesy Polenta
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Pasta with Pesto or Carbonara
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
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Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat, remove old basil and tomatoes and warm the chicken in the air fryer until hot (internal temp 165°F).
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Add fresh basil and tomatoes after reheating for best taste.
Tips & Tricks
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Make sure not to cut the chicken all the way through.
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Slightly aged mozzarella melts better than fresh mozzarella.
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Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked.
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If using bone-in chicken, increase cook time by about 5 minutes.
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You can also use provolone cheese if mozzarella isn’t available.
Chicken Caprese (Air Fryer)
Description:
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella and tomato slices, cooked in an air fryer, and topped with a sweet balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Quick, tasty, and perfect for dinner.
Duration:
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Prep Time: 10 mins
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Cook Time: 20 mins
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Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
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2 chicken breasts
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1 tsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
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1 large tomato, sliced
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½ cup balsamic vinegar
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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Fresh basil leaves
- instruction:
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Cook balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a pan until it reduces to half. Let cool.
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Cut 4–5 slits in chicken breasts (not all the way through).
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Season chicken and drizzle with olive oil.
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 mins.
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Cook chicken 6 mins per side.
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Stuff chicken slits with cheese and tomato. Cook 2 more mins.
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Drizzle glaze and sprinkle basil. Serve hot.
