Description
This Cheesy Pesto Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of pesto, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and spinach. Baked to perfection and optionally topped with garlic or herb butter, this dish is a healthy, low-carb, and delicious main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
Stuffing
- 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
Other
- 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Butter, garlic butter or herb butter for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each chicken breast from the thicker side toward the other side, stopping just before cutting all the way through to create a pocket for the stuffing.
- Season Chicken: Rub the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly with salt and crushed black pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Place half a tablespoon of pesto inside each pocket and spread it evenly. Add thick slices of mozzarella cheese, followed by diced tomatoes and chopped spinach inside each pocket.
- Secure Pockets: Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to close and secure the chicken pockets, preventing the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or butter and arrange the stuffed chicken breasts inside.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, cover loosely, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, top each chicken breast with a pat of garlic butter or herb butter before serving for added flavor.
Notes
- This recipe is low carb, healthy, and simple to prepare, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto depending on your preference.
- Substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses like provolone or fontina if desired.
- If you do not have wooden skewers, toothpicks can be used to secure the chicken pockets effectively.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
- Optional butter topping enhances flavor and gives a rich finish but can be omitted for a lighter meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1097 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg
