This recipe for baked chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella cheese and tomato is perfect for a quick, delicious dinner. Simple to prepare, the dish combines the tenderness of chicken with melted cheese and the light acidity of tomato, enhanced by a special touch of spices like paprika and oregano. It’s a practical option that doesn’t require much time in the kitchen but delivers both flavor and elegance, not to mention an attractive visual. Ideal for those who want a light yet flavorful meal.
Begin by taking the two chicken breasts and making crosswise cuts on the top of each. These cuts should be deep enough to create small pockets that will allow the cheese and tomato to fit nicely inside. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken breast, as we want to keep its shape for stuffing.
Cut a few medium-thick slices of mozzarella cheese. The slices should be thick enough to melt well and coat the chicken, adding a creamy texture to the dish. Remember that the cheese will be inserted into the cuts made in the chicken, so the slices should fit easily into these spaces.
Next, cut the tomato into half-moon slices. This shape makes it easier to fit the tomato slices into the cuts in the chicken. When baked, the tomato will release a bit of juice, which will mix with the cheese and chicken, creating a delicious, juicy flavor.
In a small bowl, add the two tablespoons of olive oil. This oil will be used to brush over the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. The oil also helps to intensify the flavor of the seasonings.
Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano to the olive oil. Mix well so that the seasonings are fully combined with the oil. This blend of seasonings will give a special touch to the dish, with the aroma of oregano, the color and mild spice of paprika, and the unmistakable flavor of salt and pepper.
Now, with the seasonings and ingredients ready, begin assembling the dish. Insert the mozzarella slices into the cuts made in the chicken. Make sure the cheese is well-placed and fills each space, so each piece will have melted cheese in it.
Next, place a slice of tomato in each cut, along with the cheese. The tomato brings freshness and acidity, perfectly balancing the creaminess of the mozzarella. Additionally, the tomato juice will help keep the chicken moist.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the chicken in a baking dish and drizzle it with the seasoned olive oil mixture, spreading it well so each piece is coated with seasoning. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The result is a delicious dish, with a layer of melted cheese coating the chicken and the tomato bringing freshness to the flavor.
For even more flavor, try garnishing with fresh basil leaves as soon as the chicken comes out of the oven. Basil adds an aromatic, refreshing touch, as well as a pop of color to the dish. You can also add some slices of onion or bell pepper in the cuts for extra flavor.
This Baked Chicken Breast with Cheese and Tomato is a practical and delicious recipe, ideal for those who want a quick, flavorful dinner. The combination of melted cheese with tomato, olive oil, and spices transforms the chicken into a juicy, irresistible dish. Easy to make, this recipe pleases both for its taste and its presentation. Enjoy every bite of this stuffed chicken, and rest assured that it will be a hit at your table!