Description
This Cheesy Pesto Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is a simple, healthy, and flavorful main course featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with vibrant pesto, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it's a low-carb, satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
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, sliced thick
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
Additional
- 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 breasts.
- Prepare chicken pockets: Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast from the thicker side to almost the other end to create a pocket for stuffing.
- Season chicken: Rub olive oil, salt, and crushed black pepper evenly over the outside of each chicken breast.
- Stuff chicken: Place half a tablespoon of pesto inside each chicken pocket and spread it evenly. Add thick slices of mozzarella, followed by diced tomatoes and chopped spinach inside each pocket.
- Secure filling: Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to securely close the pockets to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then place the stuffed chicken breasts inside.
- Bake chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Rest chicken: Cover the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional topping and serve: Top the chicken breasts with butter, garlic butter, or herb butter if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- This recipe is low carb and can be enjoyed as a healthy main dish.
- If unable to find fresh pesto, store-bought pesto works just as well.
- You can substitute mozzarella with another melty cheese like provolone or fontina.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Butter topping is optional but adds a rich flavor to the finished dish.
- Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 10 minutes beforehand to avoid burning during baking.
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
