Description
These Cheesy Pesto Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious and healthy low carb meal featuring tender chicken breasts filled with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and spinach. Baked to perfection and optionally topped with garlic or herb butter, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, sliced thick
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
Seasoning and Cooking
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Butter, garlic butter or herb butter for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Create Chicken Pockets. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut into the thicker side of each chicken breast to make a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season Chicken. Rub the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt and crushed black pepper.
- Fill Pockets. Spoon half a tablespoon of pesto into each chicken pocket and spread it evenly inside.
- Add Cheese and Veggies. Insert slices of mozzarella into each pocket, then add diced tomatoes and chopped spinach to fill the chicken breasts.
- Secure the Filling. Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts, preventing the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Prepare for Baking. Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or butter and place the stuffed chicken breasts inside.
- Bake. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Rest. Remove the baking dish from the oven, cover the chicken, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional Topping and Serve. Top the chicken breasts with garlic butter or herb butter if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a low carb and healthy meal, use fresh pesto or a good quality store-bought variety.
- Ensure the chicken pockets are well secured with skewers to prevent filling from oozing out while baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
- Resting the chicken before serving helps keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
- Butter topping is optional but adds extra richness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1097 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg
