Name: Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper; 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought); ½ cup mozzarella cheese; ½ cup tomatoes, diced; ½ cup spinach, chopped; 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks; Butter, garlic butter or herb butter for topping (optional)

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is one of those meals that instantly feels like a special occasion, even on a busy weeknight. The melty cheese, vibrant pesto, and tender chicken come together so perfectly—it’s a bite you’ll want to savor again and again.

The dish shows a cooked chicken breast on a white plate, cut open to reveal three layers inside. The bottom layer is light pink chicken meat, the middle layer has bright red cherry tomato halves, and the top layer has dark green spinach leaves. The chicken surface is golden with small pieces of sautéed garlic and sprinkled herbs, with some of the garlic and herbs scattered on the plate. A fork is holding a piece of the chicken on the left side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small whole red tomato in front and a blurred white bowl with tomatoes in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe more times than I can count because it’s simple to prepare yet tastes fancy enough to impress any guest (or just treat yourself). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without feeling like you’re eating a salad.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of pesto, mozzarella, spinach, and tomatoes packs a punch of fresh, savory goodness in every bite.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it’s on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Healthy & Protein-Packed: It’s low carb and high in protein, making it a smart choice for nutritious meals.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite herbs and cheeses to make it truly your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor and texture. Here’s why these simple components shine together—and a few tips to get the best results from your shopping.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small white bowl of rich green pesto sauce, a few thick slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese, a handful of bright red diced tomatoes, a small pile of fresh chopped spinach leaves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of crushed black pepper, and a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged in perfect symmetry with balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose thick, even-sized breasts to make stuffing easier and ensure they cook evenly.
Olive oil: Brushing the chicken with olive oil helps with seasoning and browning.
Salt & black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural chicken flavor.
Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto adds that vibrant basil and garlic punch you don’t want to skip.
Mozzarella cheese: The melty, creamy cheese inside the pocket provides irresistible gooeyness.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring acidity and freshness that brightens the dish.
Spinach: Adds a healthy green boost paired with a subtle, earthy flavor.
Wooden skewers or toothpicks: Essential for keeping the chicken pockets sealed and the filling intact during baking.
Butter or garlic/herb butter (optional): A finishing touch for added richness and flavor on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I often switch up the greens depending on what’s fresh or what’s in my fridge, and you can definitely make it your own by swapping cheeses or adding some kick with red pepper flakes.

Variation: I love trying fresh basil instead of pesto some days for a lighter feel, or adding sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a more intense tomato flavor.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella and use your favorite dairy-free cheese or add extra pesto and veggies for moisture.
Make It Heartier: Try adding cooked mushrooms or roasted peppers inside the chicken pockets for an even more filling meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Two white plates each hold one cooked, light golden chicken fillet seasoned with black pepper and small bits of herbs and garlic on top. Between the layers of chicken are bright green spinach leaves and pieces of red tomato, with some of the same herbs and garlic scattered around on the plates. To the left, a white bowl with a few halved red cherry tomatoes sits on a white marbled surface. To the top right, there is a fork and knife with white handles decorated with a gray marbled pattern, resting on a white marble board with a thin gold line. A clear glass of water is near the utensils. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Pockets Gently

This step is crucial for juicy results. Using a sharp knife, I carefully slice into the chicken breast from the thickest side, cutting almost through but not completely, to create a pocket. Don’t rush this—taking your time means more room for stuffing and less chance of cutting all the way through.

Step 2: Season and Add Pesto

I rub olive oil all over the outside of the breasts, then sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly. Next, I spoon about half a tablespoon of pesto right into each pocket and spread it around—this basil-garlic flavor is the foundation of that bright, fresh taste.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese, Tomatoes, and Spinach

Folding in thick slices of mozzarella is my favorite part—it melts beautifully inside. Then, I add diced tomatoes and chopped spinach for color and texture. Be sure not to overfill; just enough so the chicken will close around the stuffing without bursting.

Step 4: Secure, Bake, and Rest

Using wooden skewers or toothpicks, I carefully seal each chicken pocket to keep all that cheesy goodness inside. They go into a greased baking dish, and I bake them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. The resting time after baking lets the juices settle, so the chicken stays moist and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 5: Optional Butter Topping for Extra Flavor

A little finish with garlic butter or herb butter melted on top just before serving adds an incredible richness. It’s not necessary, but I love how it rounds out the flavors and gives a glossy look to the dish.

Top Tip

Having cooked this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe countless times, I’ve learned that a few small tricks can make a huge difference. These tips helped me avoid soggy chicken and messy fillings—from experience, I can tell you they really work.

Sharp Knife for Pocket: Using a very sharp knife to create the pocket ensures clean cuts without shredding the meat.
Don’t Overstuff: Overfilling the pockets can lead to leaking fillings–keep it moderate for neat results.
Seal with Skewers: Securing the pockets firmly with skewers keeps the cheesy filling inside during baking.
Let It Rest: Resting the chicken after baking lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Cheesy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top the chicken with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Sometimes, a lemon wedge on the side adds a nice brightness that cuts through the richness and makes each bite feel lighter and fresher.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. I also love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I slice the stuffed chicken breasts on a diagonal and fan them out on the plate, drizzling a little extra pesto sauce and scattering cherry tomatoes around. It looks impressive but is so easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. Sometimes I remove the skewers first to make reheating easier and safer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap each stuffed chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. This helps keep it juicy and melty, almost like freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe?

Absolutely! Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can swap in fontina, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just pick a cheese that melts well for the best texture.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out while baking?

The key is not overcooking. Bake at 350°F and check for doneness around 15 minutes. Also, letting the chicken rest after baking helps redistribute juices, making it tender and moist.

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken breasts a few hours beforehand and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to cover them well to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Definitely! This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is low in carbohydrates, high in protein and healthy fats—making it a great fit for low-carb and keto meal plans.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe quickly became a go-to for me whenever I want something easy but impressive. It’s packed with flavor, feels comforting, and the leftovers are just as good as fresh. You’ll find that this one hits all the right notes for a satisfying homemade meal you’ll want on your regular rotation. Give it a try—you might just love how simple and delicious it is!