Name: Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: 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, sliced thick; ½ cup tomatoes, diced; ½ cup spinach, chopped; 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks; Butter, garlic butter or herb butter for topping (optional)

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner that feels fancy but comes together in no time. This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe nails that balance perfectly—oozing melty cheese, vibrant pesto, and fresh spinach all tucked inside tender chicken breasts. Let me show you how to make it your new weeknight staple.

A white plate holds a stuffed cooked chicken piece with three layers: the bottom layer is light beige chicken, the middle layer has dark green spinach leaves and bright red cherry tomato halves, and the top layer is golden-brown chicken sprinkled with small bits of cooked garlic and herbs. There is a light orange oily sauce with herbs scattered on the plate around the chicken. A fork is held by a woman's hand picking up a piece from the chicken. In the background, there is a white bowl with a mix of red tomatoes and green vegetables, all set on a white marbled surface. 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

When I first tried this cheesy pesto stuffed chicken, I was amazed at how it feels like a restaurant-worthy meal but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s fresh, satisfying, and the perfect way to upgrade dinner without stress.

Simple Yet Elegant: The combination of pesto, mozzarella, and spinach inside chicken breasts creates flavor-packed pockets that impress every time.
Quick Prep and Cook: From slicing the chicken to baking, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total—not bad for a meal this delicious.
Customizable Fillings: You can easily swap ingredients for what you have on hand or your dietary needs, making this recipe very versatile.
Perfect Weeknight Winner: It’s healthy, low carb, and hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites without leftover guilt.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is chosen to complement each other and create a satisfying texture and flavor combo. Here’s why each one is essential and a few shopping hints to save you time.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts, a small white bowl of vibrant green pesto sauce, thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, diced bright red tomatoes in a white bowl, chopped deep green spinach in a white bowl, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, coarse salt crystals and crushed black peppercorns neatly placed in separate white bowls, a small pat of creamy herb butter on a white dish, arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Look for plump, even-sized breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking.
Olive oil: Helps season and keeps the chicken moist. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Salt & crushed black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Pesto: Whether homemade or store bought, it adds herbaceous brightness and richness. A fresh basil pesto is always a winner.
Mozzarella cheese: This melty cheese brings gooey texture and a mild, creamy flavor that balances the herb notes.
Tomatoes: Dicing them adds a pop of juiciness and acidity that keeps the flavors lively.
Spinach: Chopped fresh spinach adds color, nutrition, and a lovely earthiness that pairs beautifully with the pesto.
Wooden skewers or toothpicks: These hold the pocket together, so none of the delicious filling escapes during baking.
Butter or herb butter (optional): A finishing touch that melts over the hot chicken for extra indulgence.

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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 the best things about this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes. I like to swap in different cheeses or add extra veggies depending on the season.

Variation: I sometimes add sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a more intense flavor punch that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella.
Dietary tweaks: Swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan-friendly, or use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
Spice it up: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the pocket can add a lovely kick if you like a bit of heat.

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

The image shows two white plates, each with a cooked chicken breast that has a light brown, slightly speckled surface with visible seasoning. Each chicken breast is stuffed with dark green spinach leaves and small pieces of red tomato inside, creating a layered look. On top and around the chicken, there are scattered bits of chopped herbs and minced garlic adding green and orange colors with a slightly oily texture. The plates are placed on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with halved red cherry tomatoes. On the right side, there is a glass of clear water and a fork and knife with silver and white handles placed neatly on a white marble board with dark lines. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the chicken breasts

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, take a sharp knife and carefully slice into each chicken breast lengthwise, creating a pocket but not slicing all the way through. This is where the magic happens. I always go slow here to avoid cutting through the other side—practice makes perfect!

Step 2: Season and oil the chicken

Rub olive oil over both sides of the breasts, then sprinkle with salt and crushed black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the pesto and cheese inside without overpowering them.

Step 3: Stuff with pesto, cheese, spinach, and tomatoes

Spread about half a tablespoon of pesto evenly inside each chicken pocket. Next, add thick slices of mozzarella—you want plenty so you get that satisfying gooeyness. Finally, stuff in the chopped spinach and diced tomatoes for bright, fresh flavors that balance the richness.

Step 4: Secure and bake

Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to seal the pockets tightly. This helps keep all the cheesy goodness inside while baking. Place the chicken in a greased baking dish, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Step 5: Rest and finish

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest covered for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a pat of garlic or herb butter on top while it’s hot—it melts gorgeously and adds that extra savory layer I always crave.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here’s what helps me nail it every time:

Even Cuts: Use a really sharp knife to make a clean pocket—jagged cuts make stuffing tricky and can cause the filling to leak out.
Pesto Placement: Spread the pesto thin but evenly inside the pocket to avoid pockets of too much oil or dense flavor that can weigh down the chicken.
Secure Tightly: Don’t skimp on the skewers; eight times out of ten, leakage came from under-secured pockets. Wooden skewers work best because they hold steady during baking.
Resting Matters: Letting the chicken rest covered after baking keeps the juices locked in. Cutting too soon dries it out, breaking my heart every time I forgot!

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

cheesy pesto chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these chicken breasts with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley. It brightens up the plate and complements the herbaceous pesto beautifully. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds an extra cheesy kick if you’re feeling decadent.

Side Dishes

Because the chicken packs so much flavor, I keep sides simple. Steamed asparagus or roasted veggies are my go-to. For a cozy meal, creamy mashed cauliflower or a crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I once made this recipe for a small dinner party and sliced the stuffed breasts into medallions to show off the colorful filling. Arranged on a platter with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes, it looked gorgeous and was an instant conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well and tastes great cold on a salad too, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Freezing

This recipe freezes perfectly if you seal each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

I reheat mine gently in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to avoid drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the chicken a bit tougher. A low-and-slow approach keeps the cheese melty and the chicken juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

You can use frozen chicken breasts but make sure they are fully thawed before stuffing and baking. Frozen chicken may not cook evenly if stuffed and baked while still partially frozen.

What’s the best cheese to use in this stuffed chicken?

Mozzarella is perfect for its meltability and mild taste that doesn’t overpower the pesto and spinach. You can also try provolone, Fontina, or a blend depending on your preference.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Using wooden skewers or toothpicks to securely close the chicken pockets is key. Also, avoid overstuffing as too much filling increases the chance of leaks. Patience when sealing the edges helps a lot!

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your pesto ingredients if you’re avoiding gluten, as some store-bought versions may contain additives.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe remains one of my absolute favorites because it brings a little something special to everyday dinner. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is straightforward enough to make often. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it's perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen!