Mozzarella & Pesto Stuffed Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken filled with basil pesto and mozzarella, baked until golden.

# What You Need:

→ 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 oz mozzarella cheese sliced

→ Topping

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

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep horizontal pocket lengthwise in each chicken breast, being careful not to slice completely through to the other side.
03 - Season both sides of each chicken breast thoroughly with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
04 - Fill each pocket with 1 tablespoon of basil pesto and distribute mozzarella slices evenly among all four breasts. Secure openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
05 - Arrange stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops with olive oil, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs evenly over each piece.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
07 - Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks carefully and serve warm with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cheese creates these incredible molten pockets that burst when you cut into the chicken
  • It looks fancy enough for dinner guests but takes barely any active prep time
02 -
  • Do not skip the resting period or all that lovely melted cheese will run out the moment you cut into it
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them slightly before creating the pockets for more even cooking
03 -
  • Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing for consistent cooking
  • Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking for more even results
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