Description
Easy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast is a juicy, flavorful dinner featuring chicken breasts filled with basil pesto and melty cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or ricotta (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Toothpicks (optional, to secure)
- Fresh basil or grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stuff each chicken breast with pesto and mozzarella (and cream cheese or ricotta if using). Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped spinach to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use provolone, feta, or goat cheese as a mozzarella alternative.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs or Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy finish.
- Bake in a casserole dish if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet.
- Freeze raw stuffed chicken individually, then thaw and bake when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
