Why Make This Recipe
Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. It combines juicy chicken with the flavors of pesto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It is packed with flavor and looks impressive on the plate, making it a great choice for entertaining guests.
How to Make Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Serve the stuffed chicken breasts warm. You can pair them with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Drizzling a little extra pesto on top can add even more flavor.
How to Store Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat them, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Don’t skip the searing step; it adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs in the stuffing.
Variation
You can add chopped olives or bell peppers to the stuffing for more flavor. If you want a lighter option, consider using a mix of herbs instead of pesto.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
3. What side dishes go well with this chicken?
Pasta, rice, or a green salad are great options to serve alongside this dish.
Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then open it flat like a book.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto, sliced mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spoon an equal amount of the pesto and mozzarella mixture onto one half of each butterflied chicken breast.
- Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling, securing the edges with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
Cooking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.