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Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with vibrant, flavorful pesto and melted cheese, baked to juicy perfection. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, combining fresh basil pesto and creamy cheese inside succulent chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Stuffing

  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through.
  2. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto into each chicken pocket, then add a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese inside. Close the pocket to enclose the filling.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent filling spillage during baking.
  • For an extra crispy exterior, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with some olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.
  • If you don’t have fresh pesto, store-bought works well too, just choose a good quality one for best flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Keywords: Pesto stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, Italian chicken recipe, chicken with pesto and cheese