Mozzarella & Pesto Stuffed Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken breasts filled with basil pesto and creamy mozzarella, baked golden. An easy Italian main dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Filling

05 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
06 - 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced

→ Topping

07 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
02 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket lengthwise in each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
03 - Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
04 - Stuff each pocket with 1 tablespoon of pesto and a quarter of the mozzarella slices. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
05 - Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the baking dish. Brush with olive oil.
06 - Sprinkle Parmesan and Italian herbs evenly over the top.
07 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
08 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The way mozzarella melts into the pesto creates these incredible gooey pockets that burst with every bite
  • Despite looking fancy enough for dinner guests, everything comes together in under 15 minutes of prep
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and somehow taste even better the next day
02 -
  • If your chicken breasts are dramatically different thicknesses, pound the thicker ones slightly until they are more even
  • The toothpicks can be sharp, so warn your guests or remove them in the kitchen before plating
  • Do not overstuff or the cheese will leak out during baking, leaving you with empty pockets
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cutting, this helps the seasoning stick and prevents the pesto from making everything too slippery
  • Use room temperature mozzarella if possible, it melts more evenly and creates that signature cheese pull
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