Picture this—it's the end of a long day, and you're looking for a dinner idea that's as comforting as it is easy to whip up. You've got some chicken breasts in the fridge and a few basic ingredients, and maybe you're craving something with a burst of flavor, but also something that won't leave your kitchen looking like a hurricane hit it. Enter Hasselback Chicken—an enticing dish that's got all the right moves: juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, tangy tomatoes, and fresh basil, all bundled up in a neat, impressive package.
Hasselback Chicken stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and basil is like a Caprese salad met a chicken breast and they decided to go steady. This recipe takes the hassle out of Hasselback with an almost embarrassingly easy method—simple cuts into your chicken, stuffings that are both unfussy and flexible, and a sprinkle of your fave seasonings. Before you know it, you're sitting down to a restaurant-worthy meal that took practically no time at all. Let's break it down into an I-can-do-this-in-my-sleep sort of way.
What You'll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - This is your canvas!
- 8 to 10 mozzarella cheese slices - 'Cause cheese is life.
- 5 to 6 grape tomatoes - Slice these little guys in half.
- A bunch of fresh basil leaves - For that herby kick.
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning - Or whatever herbs make you do a happy dance. Garlic powder, fresh garlic, oregano...you do you.
- Salt and pepper - Your dynamic flavor duo.
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil - For that golden glow.
Instructions Made Simple:
Preheat Your Oven: Crank it up to 400°F (200°C) and let it get nice and toasty.
Prep the Chicken: Pop the chicken breasts onto a cutting board and channel your inner ninja—make slits about 3/4 way through the meatscape about 1 inch apart, being super careful not to slice through the bottom.
Get Stuffy With It: Slip a slice of mozzarella, a tomato half, and a basil leaf into each slit like you’re tucking them into a veggie-cheese bed.
Spray and Lay: Coat a baking dish with non-stick spray, lay your chicken masterpieces inside, and give them a good brush with olive oil to make them shine.
Season, Baby, Season: Shower them with salt, pepper, and as much Italian seasoning as your heart desires.
Bake It Happen: Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temp is a safe 160°F (71°C). No one’s down for a chicken encore.
Optional, But Awesome:
- Drizzle Away: Feeling fancy? Once out of the oven, grace those golden beauties with a little balsamic vinegar to up the ante.
There you go! Hasselback Chicken that's sure to impress with minimal stress. Get ready for the "oohs" and "aahs" from your dinner companions as you set the table with this showstopper. Enjoy!