Name: Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper; 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought); ½ cup mozzarella cheese; ½ cup tomatoes, diced; ½ cup spinach, chopped; Butter, garlic butter or herb butter for topping (optional); 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks

There's nothing quite like the warm, melty goodness of a filling bursting out from savory chicken. This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is just that—a cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels fancy but comes together easily enough for weeknight dinners. Trust me, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again.

A white plate holds a stuffed cooked chicken piece with three layers: the bottom layer is light beige chicken, the middle layer has dark green spinach leaves and bright red cherry tomato halves, and the top layer is golden-brown chicken sprinkled with small bits of cooked garlic and herbs. There is a light orange oily sauce with herbs scattered on the plate around the chicken. A fork is held by a woman's hand picking up a piece from the chicken. In the background, there is a white bowl with a mix of red tomatoes and green vegetables, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is my go-to for a quick yet impressive dinner. It’s a knockout because it combines familiar flavors with a gourmet touch, making it feel special without the fuss.

Deliciously Simple: Uses easy ingredients you probably have on hand, yet tastes rich and restaurant-quality.
Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Stuffing with pesto, cheese, spinach, and tomatoes keeps the chicken moist and bursting with taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats wonderfully, so you can enjoy leftovers without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Customizable and Fun: You can swap fillings or top with garlic butter for an easy twist or extra indulgence.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe comes from the classic combo of pesto and cheese, which really brings the chicken to life. Careful ingredient choices make the stuffing super flavorful and keep the chicken juicy—plus, a touch of garlic butter on top finishes it off beautifully.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts, a small white bowl of vibrant green pesto sauce, thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, diced bright red tomatoes in a white bowl, chopped deep green spinach in a white bowl, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, coarse salt crystals and crushed black peppercorns neatly placed in separate white bowls, a small pat of creamy herb butter on a white dish, arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Opt for thick, even-sized breasts to make a pocket easily and ensure steady cooking.
Olive oil: Helps season and crisp the outside of the chicken just enough.
Salt & crushed black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy here.
Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, it adds that fresh herb punch and pulls all the flavors together.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside, giving you that gooey, irresistible texture.
Tomatoes (diced): Add a little brightness and slight acidity to balance the richness.
Spinach (chopped): Sneaks in some greens and a mild earthiness.
Wooden skewers or toothpicks: To keep everything neatly stuffed and stop any filling from escaping during baking.
Butter or garlic herb butter (optional): Adds a luscious finishing touch when melted on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching up the stuffing to keep this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe fresh. Feel free to get creative with herbs, cheeses, or add some sautéed mushrooms if you’re feeling fancy.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out mozzarella for goat cheese for a tangy twist—totally changes the vibe and is delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

The image shows two white plates, each with a cooked chicken breast that has a light brown, slightly speckled surface with visible seasoning. Each chicken breast is stuffed with dark green spinach leaves and small pieces of red tomato inside, creating a layered look. On top and around the chicken, there are scattered bits of chopped herbs and minced garlic adding green and orange colors with a slightly oily texture. The plates are placed on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with halved red cherry tomatoes. On the right side, there is a glass of clear water and a fork and knife with silver and white handles placed neatly on a white marble board with dark lines. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Pocket with Confidence

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice into the thicker side of each breast, cutting most of the way through to create a pocket. Don’t cut all the way open—the goal is to have a hidden belly to stuff without everything spilling out. A slow steady hand works best here to create space for your fillings.

Step 2: Season the Outside

Rub olive oil over both sides of the chicken, then sprinkle salt and crushed black pepper evenly. This helps build flavor on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy as it cooks.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Spoon about a tablespoon of pesto inside each pocket, spreading it around to cover the inside evenly. Then add thick mozzarella slices, followed by diced tomatoes and chopped spinach. Don’t overfill—it’s all about balance so the chicken can still close well.

Step 4: Secure and Bake

Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to seal the openings, keeping the stuffing snug inside while baking. Place the stuffed breasts in a greased baking dish and pop it into a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.

Step 5: Rest and Add Butter (Optional, but Worth It!)

Once out of the oven, cover the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. If you want an extra tasty finish, melt some garlic butter or herb butter over the top—it’s my absolute favorite step!

Top Tip

Having made this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few nuggets that really help the finished dish shine every time you make it.

Knife Skills Matter: Take your time when cutting the pocket to avoid cutting through completely—practice on some cheaper chicken first if you need to build confidence.
Don’t Overstuff: Overfilling makes the chicken harder to close and can cause the stuffing to leak out during baking.
Resting is Key: Always let the chicken rest after baking. I learned this the hard way when my first attempts turned out dry instead of juicy.
Use Fresh Pesto: If possible, use fresh or good-quality pesto—it really elevates the whole dish compared to generic jarred options.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

cheesy pesto chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top mine with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a few extra dollops of pesto for an herbaceous boost and pretty presentation. A drizzle of balsamic glaze also pairs beautifully if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides like garlic roasted veggies, a fresh green salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent weekend dinner. I especially love serving it alongside quinoa or couscous to soak up all those tasty juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the stuffed chicken breasts crosswise and fan the slices on a platter for an elegant look. It’s impressive and also makes portioning easy. You can even plate with a swirl of pesto sauce underneath for that restaurant-quality touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed chicken breasts store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to remove the skewers first before storing—makes reheating easier and safer.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before cooking—once stuffed and secured, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This trick is great for prepping meals in advance.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10-12 minutes, covered, or use a microwave at 50% power in short bursts. Avoid high heat that can dry out the cheese and meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cheeses in this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts perfectly here, cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even feta can work. Just pick something that melts well and complements pesto.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the safest way. Otherwise, cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear.

Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?

You can skip the cheese and use a dairy-free pesto if needed. The chicken will still be flavorful thanks to the herbs and veggies, though it won’t have that ooey-gooey texture. Adding sliced avocado after cooking can help add creaminess.

Is it okay to substitute store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Definitely! Good-quality store-bought pesto saves time and tastes fantastic. Just look for one with fresh ingredients and minimal preservatives for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t resist recommending this Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe. It’s that rare combination of quick, easy, and feeling truly special—perfect for anytime you want to impress without stress. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite to whip up again and again. I promise your dinner guests (or just you!) will thank you.