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Air Fryer Caprese Chicken with Pesto, Tomato, and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.4 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Air Fryer Caprese Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, and coated with vibrant pesto. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner, this dish combines classic Caprese flavors with the convenience of air frying for a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1-inch thick)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Pesto Mixture

  • ½ cup pesto

Stuffing

  • 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes (approximately 10 slices, sliced in half)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella (5 slices, cut in half, total 10 slices)

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Combine the pesto, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and some oil in a small bowl to create a seasoning mixture. This blend will flavor the chicken thoroughly both inside and out.
  2. Prep the Chicken Breast: Using a sharp knife, carefully create about 5 slits in each chicken breast, making pockets without cutting all the way through. These pockets will hold the tomato and mozzarella slices.
  3. Season the Chicken: Using your hands or a food-safe basting brush, coat the chicken breasts inside and out with the pesto seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage within the slits as well.
  4. Add Tomato and Cheese: Cut the fresh tomatoes into thin slices about 3mm thick and the mozzarella cheese into ¼ inch slices. Stuff each pocket with alternating slices of cheese and tomato, adjusting size as necessary to fit comfortably inside the slits.
  5. Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes without flipping, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the chicken with a spatula and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot on its own or alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making slits to keep the stuffing intact.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
  • If you prefer, you can substitute fresh basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices for a moister bite.
  • Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/air-fryer-caprese-chicken-with-pesto-tomato-and-mozzarella-recipe/