Cheesy Pesto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Pesto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This easy-to-follow recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a rich blend of pesto, tangy Dijon mustard, and gooey mozzarella cheese, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining guests. The tender chicken is enhanced with vibrant flavors and an irresistible cheesy topping, served alongside your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
4
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (boneless and skinless)
pesto sauce
1/3 cup (prepared)
Dijon mustard
1/3 cup (prepared)
mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup (shredded, plus extra for topping)
mozzarella cheese
to sprinkle on top (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Rinse and dry the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit horizontally in each breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut through completely.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Dijon mustard, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine.
4
Stuff each chicken breast with half of the pesto mixture, ensuring to fill the pocket generously.
5
Spread the remaining pesto mixture evenly over the top of each stuffed chicken breast.
6
Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
8
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Pesto-Stuffed Chicken!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
3g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Pesto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This recipe is a flavorful main course featuring succulent boneless chicken breasts filled with a savory blend of pesto, Dijon mustard, and melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What are the primary ingredients in the stuffing?
The stuffing consists of a mixture of prepared pesto sauce, Dijon mustard, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts for stuffing?
Rinse and dry the chicken breasts, then use a sharp knife to cut a horizontal slit in each to create a pocket, ensuring you do not cut all the way through.
How long should the chicken bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
When should I add the extra cheese on top?
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast during the last 5 minutes of the baking process.
Should the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to ensure it remains juicy.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 22 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, with only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this is a low-carb friendly recipe.
How much fat is in this chicken recipe?
Each serving contains 11 grams of fat.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
How much pesto sauce is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of prepared pesto sauce.
How much Dijon mustard is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of prepared Dijon mustard.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses shredded mozzarella cheese both inside the stuffing and as a topping.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, while the recipe mentions prepared pesto, you can certainly use a homemade version for additional fresh flavor.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This recipe is inspired by Italian cuisine.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and is suitable for weeknight meals.
What should I serve with Cheesy Pesto-Stuffed Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with your favorite vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should place the chicken in a lightly greased baking dish before putting it in the oven.
How do I ensure the pesto mixture stays inside?
Carefully cut the pocket without piercing the other side of the breast and fill the pocket generously before sealing it naturally with the weight of the meat.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Based on the nutritional data provided, this recipe contains no sugar.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The recipe data indicates there is no significant fiber content in this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Absolutely, the presentation and flavor profile make it an excellent choice for entertaining.
What does the Dijon mustard add to the recipe?
The Dijon mustard provides a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the pesto and mozzarella cheese.
Can I use other cheeses?
While mozzarella is recommended for its melting quality, you could experiment with other cheeses like provolone or monterey jack.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken breasts, pesto sauce, Dijon mustard, and mozzarella cheese (used in two ways).
Can I grill this instead of baking?
While this recipe is designed for the oven, it could be adapted for grilling, though baking in a dish helps keep the cheesy stuffing contained.