Description
Delicious and healthy Cheesy Pesto Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts featuring tender chicken breasts filled with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and spinach, baked to perfection and optionally topped with herb or garlic butter.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
Filling
- 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, sliced thick
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
Others
- 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Butter, garlic butter, or herb butter for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Pocket: Using a sharp knife, cut into the thicker side of each chicken breast to create a pocket without slicing through completely.
- Season Chicken: Rub olive oil, salt, and crushed black pepper on the outside of the chicken breasts evenly.
- Fill Chicken Pockets: Place half a tablespoon of pesto inside each chicken pocket, spreading it evenly. Then add thick slices of mozzarella cheese, followed by diced tomatoes and chopped spinach.
- Secure Filling: Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to close the chicken pockets securely, preventing the filling from oozing out while baking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly and place the stuffed chicken breasts inside, making sure they are spaced properly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese has melted.
- Rest: Remove from oven and cover the chicken; let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Optional Topping and Serve: Top the chicken breasts with garlic butter or herb butter if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto or store-bought for quick prep; homemade offers more flavor.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for variation.
- If wooden skewers are not available, toothpicks can secure the pockets adequately.
- Butter topping is optional but adds extra richness and flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1097 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg
