Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast | Easy & Flavorful

Some nights call for something that feels indulgent yet fits right into your healthy routine. This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast delivers that perfect balance. Juicy chicken wraps around a creamy basil pesto filling, then bakes to crisp perfection under a golden breadcrumb crust. With just under an hour from start to finish, this dish turns a busy weeknight into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast

This recipe brings everything you want from comfort food flavor, texture, and ease without the heavy feeling afterward. The creamy pesto filling adds a rich herbal note, while the breadcrumbs bring that satisfying crunch. Each serving packs high protein and balanced fats, making it a wholesome option for any dinner. With around 1200–1400 calories for the full recipe and 100–120g of protein, it’s both nourishing and fulfilling. You’ll love how gourmet it feels with such simple ingredients.

What You Need to Make Pesto Stuffed Chicken (Ingredients Overview)

The magic lies in three simple parts: the creamy filling, the seasoned chicken, and the crispy coating. Using fresh or fully thawed chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness. Each ingredient has a purpose from the pesto’s brightness to the breadcrumbs’ crunch.

Filling Ingredients

The heart of this recipe is the pesto and cream cheese mixture. Two tablespoons of basil pesto blend with softened cream cheese and a pinch of pepper to create a smooth, rich filling. This creamy layer melts into the chicken as it bakes, releasing bursts of basil and garlic in every bite.

Chicken Ingredients

Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the base. When sliced carefully to create pockets, they cradle the pesto filling perfectly. A light seasoning of salt and pepper brings out the natural flavor of the meat and keeps the dish balanced.

Coating Ingredients

For the golden crust, you’ll need one beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. The egg helps the crumbs stick evenly, while olive oil gives that crisp, golden finish. You can use panko for extra crunch or go low-carb with crushed almonds or pork rinds.

How to Make Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the process from prep to bake. Each step helps build flavor and texture for the most tender, juicy chicken with a crisp exterior.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly grease it for easy cleanup and even roasting.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Pesto Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, basil pesto, and pepper until smooth. This makes it easy to spread inside each chicken pocket.

Step 3: Cut and Stuff the Chicken

Slice a pocket into each chicken breast lengthwise. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with the pesto mixture, then press the edges together or secure with toothpicks. Season the outside with salt and pepper. Even thickness helps cook everything evenly.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Beat the egg in one bowl and place breadcrumbs in another. Dip each stuffed breast into the egg, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs. If you prefer gluten-free options, try ground almonds or crushed crackers.

Step 5: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor before baking.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For the juiciest results, remove at 155°F and let it rest; carryover heat will finish cooking. Rest for 5 minutes to keep juices inside.

Substitution Options and Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe. Replace cream cheese with ricotta, goat cheese, or mascarpone for a different texture. Swap basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer, tangy twist. For a lighter crust, skip breadcrumbs and brush the chicken with olive oil before baking. If you’re low-carb, crushed almonds make a great coating. For extra protein, use Greek yogurt instead of cheese in the filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid cutting through the entire chicken breast the filling will leak out. Don’t skip seasoning; a pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way. Browning before baking creates depth, so don’t rush it. Use a thermometer to check doneness and always let the chicken rest. Even-sized breasts ensure even cooking every time.

What to Serve With Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast

This chicken pairs beautifully with garlic pasta, roasted tomatoes, or pesto zucchini noodles with chicken for a light, fresh side. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes, rice, or an arugula salad. The creamy pesto filling complements earthy vegetables and simple grains perfectly.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individually wrapped portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals. Keep the coating crisp by using the oven method when possible.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Difficulty

Prep time: 20–30 minutes
Cook time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 40–60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium

This recipe is approachable for anyone comfortable slicing and stuffing chicken. It’s perfect for cooks looking to make something special without complicated steps.

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• crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes
• creamy tomato beef pasta one pot

FAQ

Conclusion

This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast feels like restaurant-quality comfort food made right at home. It’s creamy, crispy, and full of fresh basil flavor perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Try it once, and you’ll keep it in your weekly rotation. Find more recipes and inspiration on Pinterest or join the conversation on Facebook.

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