Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast: An Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than pesto stuffed chicken breast! This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of chicken breast with the vibrant, herbaceous taste of pesto, creating a culinary experience that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant weekend gatherings. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfectly cooked, pesto-packed chicken every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of chicken and pesto is a match made in heaven. The pesto adds a burst of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, elevating the chicken to a whole new level.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite looking and tasting gourmet, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. It requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to the pesto filling.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Chicken breast is a lean protein source, and pesto, while rich in flavor, can be made with healthy ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Pesto stuffed chicken breasts look beautiful on a plate, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Choose chicken breasts that are of similar size and thickness for even cooking. If they are very thick, you may want to pound them slightly to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup of your favorite pesto (store-bought or homemade). Homemade pesto is always best for flavor, but high-quality store-bought pesto works great too. Consider making your own if you have the time – it’s surprisingly easy! See the variations section for making your own pesto.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy, melty texture that complements the pesto beautifully. You can also use other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze.

Homemade Pesto Ingredients (Optional)

If you want to make your own pesto, you’ll need:

* 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
* 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Small bowl
* Large skillet (oven-safe preferred, or a regular skillet and a baking dish)
* Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken breasts)
* Toothpicks (optional, for securing the chicken breasts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect pesto stuffed chicken breasts:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts**

1. **Pound the Chicken (Optional):** If your chicken breasts are very thick (more than 1 inch), place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
2. **Make a Pocket:** Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pouch for the filling. The pocket should be large enough to hold a generous amount of pesto and mozzarella.
3. **Season the Chicken:** Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s crucial for adding flavor.

**Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Breasts**

1. **Fill with Pesto:** Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pesto into the pocket of each chicken breast. Spread the pesto evenly to coat the inside.
2. **Add Mozzarella:** Place slices or shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto in each chicken breast. Use about 1 ounce of mozzarella per chicken breast. Don’t overstuff the chicken, or the cheese will ooze out during cooking.
3. **Secure the Chicken (Optional):** If desired, use toothpicks to close the opening of the chicken breasts. This will help keep the pesto and mozzarella inside during cooking. Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken Breasts**

There are two primary cooking methods: skillet-to-oven and all-skillet.

**Method 1: Skillet-to-Oven**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing the chicken adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
3. **Bake in the Oven:** Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the chicken.
4. **Rest:** Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Method 2: All-Skillet**

1. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing the chicken adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
2. **Reduce Heat and Cook:** Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure the chicken is cooking gently to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked. You can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to the skillet during cooking to help keep the chicken moist.
3. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish the pesto stuffed chicken breasts with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (if desired). These garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. **Serve:** Serve the chicken breasts immediately while they are still warm and juicy. They pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overstuff:** Avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check the internal temperature.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving is crucial for retaining its juices and ensuring a tender result.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the temperature of your oven. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken to prevent sticking. Adding a little extra olive oil can also help.

Serving Suggestions

Pesto stuffed chicken breast is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Pasta:** Serve the chicken breasts with a side of pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Rice:** Rice pilaf or risotto are great accompaniments to this dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with pesto stuffed chicken breast.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or goat cheese. Each cheese will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms, to the pesto filling for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Nuts:** Use different types of nuts in the pesto, such as walnuts or almonds, instead of pine nuts.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.
* **Lemon:** Squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken breasts before serving for a bright and zesty flavor.
* **Cream Cheese:** Mix a tablespoon of cream cheese into the pesto for an extra creamy filling.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:** Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of traditional basil pesto for a different flavor profile.
* **Grilling:** Grill the stuffed chicken breasts over medium heat for a smoky flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the pesto stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time for a convenient weeknight meal. Follow these steps:

1. **Prepare and Stuff:** Prepare the chicken breasts as instructed, stuffing them with pesto and mozzarella.
2. **Refrigerate:** Place the stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Cook:** When ready to cook, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, cook as directed in the recipe.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover pesto stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly dry.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, approximate, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: This is an estimate only. Always consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.*

Conclusion

Pesto stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the incredible flavors of pesto stuffed chicken breast!

Recipe Card

For example:

**Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast**

**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 4 oz mozzarella cheese
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and pepper

**Instructions:**
1. Prepare chicken breasts by creating a pocket.
2. Fill with pesto and mozzarella.
3. Sear in olive oil, then bake or cook in a skillet until cooked through.
4. Let rest and serve.

**Notes:** Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness. Don’t overstuff the chicken.