This stuffed chicken breast with pesto, tomatoes, and melting mozzarella is an easy way to put a striking, very juicy dinner on the table. Minimal prep: butterfly, lightly pound, fill, and bake. In 20 minutes, you have a fragrant, golden dish that works beautifully on its own or alongside vegetables or pasta.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast – 2 pieces
- Pesto – 1.8 oz | 50 g
- Mozzarella – 3.5 oz | 100 g
- Tomato – 1 piece
- Olive oil – for brushing
- Garlic powder – to taste
- Dried parsley – to taste
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Cut each chicken breast horizontally almost all the way through and open it like a butterfly. Lightly pound to an even thickness so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Brush the inside with pesto. Layer on thin slices of tomato and mozzarella.
- Fold the breast over the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks.
- Brush the surface with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 392°F | 200°C for about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, if desired, add a little extra mozzarella on top and return to the oven until nicely browned.
- Remove, let rest for 3-5 minutes, take out the toothpicks, and serve hot.
Nutritional Value per Serving
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 60 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
📹 Watch the video recipe on our Telegram channel: @alwaysyummy
Tips and Variations
- Meat thickness: pound to 0.4-0.6 in | 1-1.5 cm so the breast stays juicy and cooks quickly.
- Cheese: use a mozzarella ball or shredded pizza mozzarella; soft suluguni or provolone also work well.
- Pesto: classic basil pesto or spinach pesto both work; blot any excess moisture from the filling so the juices stay inside.
- Doneness: the internal temperature should reach 162°F | 72°C; the juices should run clear.
- Without an oven: sear the breasts in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 392°F | 200°C.
FAQ
Can I make it without toothpicks?
Yes. Tie the breast with kitchen twine or roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down so the filling stays inside.
What side dish goes best?
Roasted vegetables, a light salad, pasta with olive oil, or quinoa all pair well and highlight the pesto and cheese.
What can I use instead of pesto?
Try a herb-and-olive-oil sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomato purée, or soft cream cheese with basil.