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Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and basil pesto, coated with crispy breadcrumbs, seared to golden perfection, and then baked to juicy, flavorful completion. It’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup breadcrumb mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or grease it with cooking spray, or place a rack over the baking sheet for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, basil pesto, and a pinch of pepper. Use a fork to mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside for stuffing.
  3. Prepare and Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket along the thin side of each chicken breast lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon the pesto-cream cheese mixture into each pocket evenly. Press the edges together to seal or secure with toothpicks. Season the stuffed breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Beat the egg in a bowl until well mixed. Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  5. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  6. Bake and Serve: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful pesto stuffed chicken!

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or store-bought pesto can be a convenient alternative.
  • Make sure not to cut the chicken breast completely through when creating pockets to hold the filling securely.
  • To prevent breadcrumbs from falling off during frying, press them firmly onto the chicken and chill briefly before browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving if used to secure the chicken pockets.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, baked stuffed chicken breast, cream cheese stuffed chicken, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/healthy-pesto-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe/