Name: Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper; 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought); ½ cup mozzarella cheese, sliced thick; ½ cup tomatoes, diced; ½ cup spinach, chopped; 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks; Butter, garlic butter, or herb butter for topping (optional)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the mix of melty cheese, fragrant pesto, and tender chicken all baked into one dish. This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe hits all the right notes for a simple yet impressive dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

The dish shows a cooked chicken breast on a white plate, cut open to reveal three layers inside. The bottom layer is light pink chicken meat, the middle layer has bright red cherry tomato halves, and the top layer has dark green spinach leaves. The chicken surface is golden with small pieces of sautéed garlic and sprinkled herbs, with some of the garlic and herbs scattered on the plate. A fork is holding a piece of the chicken on the left side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small whole red tomato in front and a blurred white bowl with tomatoes in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe has become one of my go-tos when I want something that feels fancy but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy mozzarella and vibrant pesto tucked inside juicy chicken breasts feels like a little celebration on a plate.

Simple to prepare: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients and about 30 minutes total to make this dish shine.
Flavor packed: The pesto infuses the chicken with fresh herbal notes while gooey cheese adds richness.
Healthy yet indulgent: Lean protein meets wholesome spinach and tomatoes, keeping it balanced.
Customizable and versatile: You can easily swap cheeses or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe thoughtfully combines fresh and flavorful ingredients that meld beautifully during baking. Picking good-quality pesto and fresh mozzarella really elevates the final dish.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small white bowl of rich green pesto sauce, a few thick slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese, a handful of bright red diced tomatoes, a small pile of fresh chopped spinach leaves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of crushed black pepper, and a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged in perfect symmetry with balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose plump, even-sized breasts for stuffing—this helps the pockets hold your filling perfectly.
Olive oil: A light rub adds flavor and keeps your chicken nicely browned without drying out.
Salt and crushed black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s the star that brings that fresh basil punch and garlic to the stuffing.
Mozzarella cheese: The creamy, melty texture balances the herbaceous pesto and juicy tomatoes.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a hint of acidity and juiciness that brightens the overall flavor.
Spinach: Fresh chopped spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness against the rich cheese.
Wooden skewers or toothpicks: Essential to keep your chicken pockets sealed and prevent escape of that delicious filling!
Butter (optional): A touch of garlic, herb, or plain butter on top adds richness and a lovely glossy finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding a little twist whenever I make this recipe, depending on what’s in the fridge or craving level. Feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or even adding some heat.

Variation: One time, I swapped mozzarella for fresh burrata—wow, talk about indulgence! It melts beautifully and adds an extra creamy surprise.
Dietary tweaks: You can replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese to suit dietary needs without losing too much flavor.
Seasonal twists: Swap the spinach for kale or add roasted red peppers for a smoky note.
Herb swap: Add fresh thyme or oregano inside the pocket for a different herbal aroma.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Two white plates each hold one cooked, light golden chicken fillet seasoned with black pepper and small bits of herbs and garlic on top. Between the layers of chicken are bright green spinach leaves and pieces of red tomato, with some of the same herbs and garlic scattered around on the plates. To the left, a white bowl with a few halved red cherry tomatoes sits on a white marbled surface. To the top right, there is a fork and knife with white handles decorated with a gray marbled pattern, resting on a white marble board with a thin gold line. A clear glass of water is near the utensils. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create the Perfect Chicken Pocket

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice into the thicker side of each chicken breast, cutting almost through to the other side to form a pocket. This “pocket” is your vessel for the delicious filling. Take your time here—rushing can cause you to cut all the way through. If you’re nervous, you can place your hand flat on top to guide the knife safely.

Step 2: Season and Prep

Rub olive oil all over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle salt and crushed black pepper evenly. This simple seasoning is key because it enhances all the other fresh flavors you’re about to add inside.

Step 3: Fill ’em Up

Spread about half a tablespoon of your pesto inside each pocket. Then stuff with thick slices of mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and plenty of chopped spinach. Double-check you have enough filling, but try not to overstuff or the pockets might split. Secure them with 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks to keep everything snug.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Grease a baking dish and place your stuffed chicken breasts inside. Pop it in the oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted. I like to cover the dish lightly with foil if my oven runs hot, just to keep it juicy.

Step 5: Rest and Finish

Let the chicken rest covered for about 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This pause allows the juices to settle in, keeping your chicken moist. Finally, top with a dollop of garlic or herb butter if you want that extra layer of flavor and gloss.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe a dozen times now, and a few things really help turn it from good to great. These tips come straight from my kitchen experience and will save you frustration while ensuring tasty results.

Use a sharp knife: When cutting the chicken pockets, a sharp blade prevents tearing and lets you make neat, even cuts for easier stuffing.
Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to stuff every last bit of pesto and cheese, but too much filling can cause the chicken to burst open while baking.
Secure with skewers firmly: Don’t skip this—properly securing the pockets keeps all that cheesy goodness in place and makes serving less messy.
Rest before slicing: Letting the chicken rest post-baking makes carving cleaner and improves juiciness overall.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

cheesy pesto chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to brighten the plate and add a fresh aroma. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a sweet tang that pairs wonderfully with the pesto.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides include garlic roasted potatoes or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or creamy cauliflower mash also complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the stuffed chicken and fan the pieces on a large wooden board with some colorful roasted veggies and fresh bread for everyone to help themselves. Adding little ramekins of extra pesto or herb butter on the side feels so inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully and sometimes I even slice cold chicken for salads or sandwiches.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing the stuffed raw chicken in foil or plastic wrap before cooking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This is a great way to prep meals ahead of time.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat in a moderate oven at about 325°F for 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. This prevents rubbery texture and melts the cheese again beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and saves time. Just pick a good quality one with fresh basil and olive oil for the best flavor.

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Seasoning the chicken well, not overbaking it, and letting it rest after baking are key. Also, securing the filling properly prevents moisture loss.

Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply increase the quantities and bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a larger baking dish or in batches. Just make sure not to overcrowd the dish so the chicken cooks evenly.

What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?

You can use provolone, fontina, or even Monterey Jack cheese as a substitute. These melt well and complement the pesto nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to make on a weeknight but fancy enough for company. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and remember: cooking should be fun, so don’t stress about perfection—just savor the process and the tasty results!