Description
This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful basil pesto and cream cheese mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. It’s a simple, nutritious dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating and Cooking
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup breadcrumb mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended to create the flavorful stuffing.
- Create chicken pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut pockets into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through, creating space for the filling.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the pesto cream cheese mixture into each pocket. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Coat the chicken: Whisk the egg in a bowl. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to create a crispy outer layer.
- Bake the chicken: Drizzle olive oil into a baking dish and place the coated chicken breasts inside. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts to avoid the filling spilling out while baking.
- Using fresh basil pesto can enhance the flavor significantly compared to store-bought varieties.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to retain juices.
- To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
