Pesto Stuffed Chicken
A delightful and flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with homemade pesto and cream cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless) Choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Pesto Homemade is best, but store-bought works too.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese For a lighter version, opt for low-fat.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings to elevate the flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the perfect bake.
- Prepare the Pesto Mixture: In a bowl, combine the fresh basil pesto, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Butterfly the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating a pocket for the pesto filling.
- Stuff the Chicken: Generously fill each pocket with the pesto mixture. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the stuffed chicken for a flavor boost.
Cooking
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing, which retains moisture.
Notes
For creative variations, add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to your pesto mixture, or try using different proteins like pork chops or turkey breasts. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a refreshing kick.