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Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 71 reviews

This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy basil pesto and cream cheese mixture, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and baked to perfection. A deliciously simple meal that combines fresh flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for a wholesome dinner in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup breadcrumb mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or greasing it well with cooking spray. Optionally, place a rack on the baking sheet for better air circulation during baking.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, basil pesto, and a pinch of pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set aside for stuffing.
  3. Prepare and Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast along the thin side lengthwise, avoiding slicing all the way through. Stuff each pocket with the prepared cream cheese and pesto mixture. Seal the edges by pressing them together firmly or securing with toothpicks. Season the outside of each stuffed breast with salt and pepper.
  4. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, beat the egg until well mixed. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the egg, ensuring full coverage, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
  5. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned, creating a crispy crust and enhancing flavor.
  6. Bake and Serve: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts to keep the filling inside while cooking.
  • Using a rack on the baking sheet helps the chicken cook evenly and maintain a crisp crust.
  • Resting the chicken after baking helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
  • Adjust the amount of filling based on your preference for creaminess.
  • Can substitute breadcrumb mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.

Keywords: pesto stuffed chicken, healthy chicken breast recipe, baked chicken breast, creamy pesto chicken, stuffed chicken breast

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/healthy-pesto-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe/