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Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

This Healthy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mix of basil pesto and cream cheese, coated with crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s simple to prepare and ideal for a nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

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

Chicken & Coating

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 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 (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or grease it with cooking spray. Optionally, place a rack on the baking sheet for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the cream cheese, basil pesto, and a pinch of pepper with a fork until smooth and well mixed. Set aside.
  3. Prepare and Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Cut a pocket lengthwise along the thinner side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Carefully spoon the pesto and cream cheese filling into each pocket. Press the edges together to seal or use toothpicks to secure. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Beat the egg in a bowl until well mixed. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
  5. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden brown crust.
  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 reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or homemade if possible.
  • To avoid leakage of filling, seal the pocket edges firmly or use toothpicks.
  • Breadcrumbs can be seasoned with herbs or Parmesan for extra taste.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Let the chicken rest after baking to retain juices and improve tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken breast, creamy pesto chicken, low-fat stuffed chicken

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